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
God’s gentle touch be with us here
In those moments that we so fear
His strong warm hands to hold us tight
God keeps us always in His sight
A love so strong and so true for all
He whispers encouragement when we call
Lifting you up in prayer each day
To our awesome Lord our troubles we lay
Oh, joyful Light that shines always
Fill our hearts and lend strength to our days
Charlotte-Anne Allen
That spark, that sparkle
From within it grows
Lights up our eyes
So that everyone knows
Whether soft and glowing
Or vibrant and open
It brings comfort to others
And assurance for hoping
May we share that bright sparkle
In all that we do
From love it is born
God’s Spirit shines through
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Harvest’s being gathered
We bring our work around
Another year’s labor
Wherever we are found
Through days bright and sunny
Or clouds and rainy sky
We worked for our best
To complete tasks by-and-by
Some things of great challenge
Others flowing with ease
We persevered and encouraged
And are grateful for these
Charlotte-Anne Allen
What is it then? What can I say?
About those dirty dishes from the day
Scattered round my kitchen sink
I need to wash them before they stink
As that nice hot water comes pouring out
They’ll be clean in a jiffy and no more lying about
I stack in the plates and utensils too
Suds are building and that will do
A swish and a wipe until that part’s done
Rinsing them off each and every one
Pile in the pots and don’t forget the pan
Scrub them well, as best you can
It’s not a chore, I will confide
As I dry them off or lay them aside
These dirty dishes are a gift God’s given
For they speak of His care and daily provision
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Nature’s lace extended
Waving gently in the breeze
Sun’s shine glittering
Upon stretched strands
Gossamer intricately created
Yet containing surprising strength
Catching unwary passersby
To feed its hungry watcher
Dewdrops glisten
Reflecting rainbow spheres
Busy resident builds and rebuilds
With patient skill upon its sticky portal
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Starry gaze through inky black
Moon’s beams peek ‘round clouds’ edge
Night settles upon the land
Sighing whispers of day’s farewell
Turn from bright glare of urban lights
That blink in disregard of rural calm
Go now to your quiet place
Far from bustle and clangs
Rocking slowly, now ease your mind
… Night calls softly to welcome rest
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The Still Small Voice 