Thoughts and reflections on us as people with much in common.
Rising sun on this new day
Humble princes and princesses
Adopted children come without delay
To the Mighty One, serving our King
We lift our voices and now we sing
Of trials and triumphs, of pain and joy
Of trust and doubt, of faith …and hope
We touch the promises of our great God
Love unfailing, forgiven freely
Arms enfolding, sovereign power
Awesome, filling
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Humming busily
Zooming to-and-fro
Waggle dances
For treasures to show
Sweetness of nectar
Rich and fine
Heading there
Now make a beeline!
Workers buzzing
Warm and sunny
Bringing life
With golden honey
Charlotte-Anne Allen
• From our first sprouting to our final gathering there is much change
• As maturity comes, so develops strength and shape
• The smoothing and rubbing of life’s challenges brings out our character
• We all have the potential for many forms and purposes
• Like mighty trees, so protect and provide cover for the fragile and needy
• Those who nurture others are recognized for compassion
• Building and creating brings satisfaction for work well done
• Inward beauty shines forth with love and care
• Spreading warmth brings comfort and contentment
• Storms often bring loss and uproot or unsettle us
• Hope sprouts slowly sometimes, so tend with care
• Planting, watering, tending, shaping, serving… is purpose
• Draw from the land and bear good fruit with seeds
• God nourishes and makes things grow
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Springtime dance in a big mudpuddle
What’s this we see darting about?
Tiny black dots in a tenuous home
Splashing rain to replenish
Or welcoming a daily drink
From curious friends
Tadpole legs now kick about
A growing black cloud
in their small world
Nature’s wonder
God’s delight
Pollywog
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Turn it loose
Let it go
At day’s end
Draw quiet breath
Satisfaction
Work is done
Busy minds
Thoughts set aside
Like swirly suds
Swept down the drain
God’s peace to you
Lie down in rest
Charlotte-Anne Allen
What do I see?
What do I hear?
Are my eyes so blind, though God is near?
Do my ears truly listen to words spoken to me?
Forgive me Lord if that is so.
Help me to follow and to grow.
Open my eyes to see with my heart.
Grant me understanding, doing my part.
In seeing… bring peace.
In hearing… make known.
Bring to fruition
The seeds to be sown.
Charlotte-Anne Allen
What is it to be wise?
How one is known through another’s eyes?
We seek to know, to understand.
Walk this way. Know where to stand.
Look about. Thinking deep.
Listen. Pause. In prayer keep.
In struggles, challenges, our mistakes
We learn and ponder. That’s what it takes.
Wisdom’s example in others, too
It steers us, helps us in all we do.
What’s wise, you say?
See the heart and the whole, this day.
Making choices that lift and heal
Consider all perspectives and how others feel.
Wise, oh wise. Pursue wisdom for life.
It grows from goodness and from strife.
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Springtime fresh
Throw open the windows
Greet gentle waft invited in
Lifting spirits
Breathe in deeply
Coolness filling, ever washing
Winter’s dust
Now leave behind
Carried away upon swift wings
Feel its promise
Upon hot, tired face
Calming relaxing clean
Close your eyes
And be encouraged
Listening to spring’s soft sigh
Charlotte-Anne Allen
• Tend and care for that which is of value
• Work for nourishing results
• Warmth and caring are like the sun’s bright rays
• Positive influences bring out the best in us
• Aim for results that are helpful and usable
• Becoming better at something takes time
• Change comes through life’s experiences
• There are many responses to changes and challenges
• Patience during the process of growth and life is hard
• Sometimes we feel dried up and empty
• Pruning unhealthy thoughts and actions opens doors for grace
• Celebrate often, noticing the big and small fruits
• Stay connected to the Vine for health and strength
• God is our source, bringing forth the best in us
Charlotte-Anne Allen
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
The Still Small Voice 