Dost bow your head, as they would say
In olden times when they would pray
We come before God with humble heart
In quiet thought at a place apart
In worship of His mighty power
Secure with Him, we pause in this hour
With troubled thought we seek a guide
Or time of joy… We do not hide
God knows us well. He loves us all
We rest in Him, both big and small
Now be assured. Release your stress
He bids us come, and he will bless
Dost bow your head
“Well, I never!”
Have you ever heard or expressed these same words? When taken by surprise, when the unexpected or unplanned hits us head-on, this simple phrase expresses it all! Fill in the blank.
Never, never, never… A word that can express relief, disappointment, anger, conviction, and so much more.
– I never have to go there again!
– We never thought they would do such a thing.
– I’m never going to talk to him again!
– I’ll never give up.
Sometimes “never” is a positive word, a practical expression of the end of use for some item (That’ll never come clean or That can never be repaired). At other times “never” is a call of desperation. Think of the times when you’ve worked to complete, learn, or do something and you reach the point when out of frustration or exhaustion you just think, “I’ll never get this done!” When we reach such low points, “never” can loom its head and drive our thoughts downward. We struggle with self-doubt, need, or depression… echoes of The Raven’s “nevermore”!
How do we cope when our thoughts take a plunge?! When “never” seems like a dark storm approaching? Pausing for some quiet time and prayer sure helps. It would be so nice to have some support too, someone to help out or to be a sounding board and understanding presence.
That reminds me of when Jesus spoke of satisfying hunger and thirst, not just physical satisfaction but a deeper hunger and thirst for a full and significant life. He knows our need for forgiveness of wrongs, for peace and happiness, and for God. Jesus was saying that all who come to him will never go hungry or thirsty for what really matters in life. He will never turn anyone away who comes to him. Now those are some good “never-s”! *
As we encounter our “never”, surprised by the unexpected or unplanned, may we be drawn to God’s “ever” …ever with us and ever satisfying our greatest longings and needs.
*John 6:35-37
Charlotte-Anne Allen
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
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
• 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
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
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
• 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.
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
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?!
The Still Small Voice 