People

Thoughts and reflections on us as people with much in common.

September 24, 2022

Just a Weed

Re-Posting my poem which inspired the name of this website: “The Still Small Voice – for Just a Weed”. For those hearts out there who, like all of us, sometimes feel insignificant. A call for us to see the value and beauty of each life. Precious in God’s sight.

I see your face
Shining bravely
And so I stop
To get acquainted.
It’s just a weed
I hear them say.

Delicate flower
Standing there
Surrounded
By the tended growth.
It’s just a weed
I hear them say.

A splash of cheer;
Yellows and blues,
White and purple,
Lilac too.
It’s just a weed
I hear them say.

I laugh; I chuckle.
I smile with joy
As I make my pass
Around their home.
It’s just a weed
I hear them say.

What weeds are these?
Unwanted ones?
Not at all… but rather,
Unnoticed treasures,
Loyal companions,
Fullness of life!

– Charlotte-Anne Allen

September 10, 2022

What Prudence!

With what prudence, you now say,
Do we live our lives from day to day?!

Give thought give thought
Give thought to your ways
Using good judgment is common sense

…Listen, listen to sound instruction
Gaining wisdom and discernment

From the heart actions will arise
As prudence speaks, do right and justly

Consider knowledge and instruct with care
Refrain from haste before lips fly

And when we fall, for we all do,
We in our prudence welcome God

– From “My Words to Live
by Charlotte-Anne Allen

August 13, 2022

Reflections on Feet

• A good foot rub relaxes body and soul
• We often take things we use daily for granted
• Comfort is bare feet on the cool grassy ground
• Bringers of good news are like sunshine after a cloudy day
• Be mindful of where you go and whom you walk with
• Travel brings new discoveries and renewed relationships
• Stand firmly for goodness and justice
• Consider possible consequences to avoid slipping
• Some paths are full of rocks, roots, and washouts
• Wisdom speaks from experience
• Heed words of wisdom to avoid stumbling
• It’s good to put your feet up and breathe after a busy day
• Walk through life seeing interruptions as positive opportunities
• Follow the feet of our Shepherd

–from “Reflections from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen

July 9, 2022

Washed Out

Warning touch and growing rumble
Feel it building coming coming

Welcome respite or call for shelter?
Jarring one from settled niche

These drops intruders in our day
… A sigh a chuckle as we retreat?

What do they say of grief or toil
As waters surge and tumble by?

Pale countenance sinking down
Or head uplifted to cool embrace?

Built up dirt and grime release
Muddy churning wash away!

Letting it go, now light and free
Cleansing. Revealing… sparkling stones

Charlotte-Anne Allen

June 25, 2022

Steps

Upon this earth we leave our mark
Our steps upon its mantle

What do they say about us though?
What stories do they share?

They speak of joy in simple pleasures
Like playful children we jump and twirl

Gentle tiptoes expressing love
Angry stomping voicing pain

Striding forward on our own
Or strolling companionably arm-in-arm

A footprint left now clear and firm
Speaks of wisdom skill or knowledge

Those scuff marks left as we drag our feet
Signs of struggles or despair

As determined toddlers do we rise again
…learning growing trying the new?

What do we see as we view our ways?
Steps and steps upon the trail

Charlotte-Anne Allen

May 28, 2022

Reflections on Walking Canes

• Consider wisely what you lean on
• A strong base lends support for the work at hand
• There are times to step back to relieve pressure
• Relieving pressure allows room for healing and rest
• It’s good to have something handy to whack with when needed
• Whack away those doubts and fears
• Making good choices requires forethought and regular practice
• When temptation comes, keep a firm grasp on positive values
• Choose the right material to build character and integrity
• It is good to unload our worries to a listening ear
• Whether climbing peaks or walking across the room, a supportive friend is welcome
• Taking the weight off our shoulders brings great relief
• Shepherds both guide and protect with their staff
• God our Shepherd walks with us and shines through our weakness

Charlotte-Anne Allen

Psalm 23:4 – Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

May 14, 2022

Unfurl

Tiny frond
Essence of spring …Safe
In its underground seclusion
Stirs within warming abode

Tight coil
Slowly stretching… Pushing
Through covering protective layers
Awakened from winters slumber

Fiddleheads
In feathery company… Emerging
Adding beauty to moist shade
Tucked among woodland passes

And so do we also
Stretch and reach to warming light
Gather strength and determination
Draw nourishment… Unfurl

April 30, 2022

Junk Drawer

A treasure trove!
What great delight
To re-discover things long forgotten

To dig and rummage
And sift things about
Some wooden matches and screws and tacks

Where’s the thingamabob?
Oh wow, I forgot I had that!
And this will be handy to hang things up

Yay! Here’s the screwdriver
I’ve found my best scissors!
What in the world! Now what is this?…

I’m just not quite sure
There’s really no clue
Can’t throw that away, until I know!

Indeed, one day soon
Surely, before very long
It will all be sorted as I clear some things out!

… Now, what was I looking for?!

April 23, 2022

Reflections on Ashes

• The good that we create lives on to nourish others
• Live in consideration of the legacy you will leave
• Things left behind are windows for memories
• A little preparation helps prevent unforeseen situations
• Commitment results from warm embers and brings about change
• Developing strong character and integrity sets one apart
• Judging worth by appearance is speaking without experiencing
• Seeing ruins may bring both sadness and wonder
• Releasing negative thoughts and emotions is not an easy task
• When trust is broken relationships can crumble and blow away
• A spirit of renewal lends strength to rise above adversity
• Humility is not weakness but is gentle strong compassion
• A quiet presence during grief brings comfort
• God takes the ashes of our lives and creates masterpieces

From “Reflections on the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen

April 2, 2022

“As… so” Proverbs for Springtime

  • As the soil is tilled, so are we made ready to receive
  • As seeds are planted, so are our thoughts guided
  • As creatures emerge from winter shelters, so we step out to discover and grow
  • As flowers rise from the earth, so life is reborn
  • As the sun warms and draws new life, so kind words bring healing and hope
  • As spring rains soak in and nourish, so the sharing of knowledge and wisdom betters our lives
  • As wind tears and roars, so ill-spoken words tear and hurt
  • As weeds are cleared to make room for desired plants, so removal of harmful relationships or habits encourages healthier lives
  • As bushes are pruned and stronger growth results, so we gain wisdom and strength through trials and experience
  • As flowers brighten and green buds burst forth, so music and laughter express joy and peace

– from “As… so Proverbs”
Charlotte-Anne Allen