A childhood game of joy and fun
Reaching out to touch someone
…Can call to mind on any day
Of what we do and what we say
Are we choosing to extend a smile
To be courteous and go that “extra mile”?
…Social media says, “Look at me”
Consider now just what we see
Whether in passing or sharing deep
This world around us, may God keep
Value each other, recognized, known
Let’s tag someone… We’re not alone
Charlotte-Anne Allen
With childlike mind
Embrace each day
I’m a dinosaur…
Climbing a mountain…
Or a cuddly kitten
Dreaming freely
Opens wide vistas
Things that could be…
Pathways more sure…
Positive contentment
Touch it now
Mind’s eye wide open
Curiosity, resolution, excitement…
Imagination unfurled
Charlotte-Anne Allen
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
Softly spoken
Words in care
Music drifting
In the air
Beaming face
And tender touch
Reaching out
Is not too much
Spread some joy
In this new year
Share some laughter
And good cheer
Charlotte-Anne Allen
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
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
Shining bright
Love deep and strong
Life o’erflowing
With passion and courage
Reflection of most noble character
Wisdom more precious
… Incomparable worth
Beacon to all
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Proverbs 8:11 “For wisdom is more precious than rubies,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.”
Season’s leaves now brown and blown
Insects retreating from wind’s cold embrace
Autumn stretches, reaches into nooks
Touching questing noses wishing warmer place
Plip-plop, plip-plop of sky-chilled raindrops
Encourage hurried walks and blow upon uncovered face
Sun shines bravely, a reminder of summer growth
Gardens’ offering now gathered, leaves and yard tended
Rest, rest and breath in deeply
A pause as the year is soon to be ended
Contemplation upon this year’s past
Looking forward, awaiting… Time briefly suspended.
Charlotte-Anne Allen
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
Waxing waning
Nighttime’s herald
Growing learning
Tasks to do
Reflecting thinking
Drawing forth
In season’s call
With solar dance
Labor completion
bringing forth
Looking seeing
Strengthening resting
So is life
In bright parade
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The Still Small Voice 