Proverbs & Sayings

September 29, 2024

Reflections on Hurricanes


• We draw strength from the warmth of friends and family
• Don’t neglect preparation but anticipate needs and be ready
• Our actions, thoughts, and words are widespread and far-reaching
• Some days and seasons are like a whirling, churning storm
• Opposing forces can cause much trauma and destruction
• Emotions, self-focus, and hormones steer us in vast floods
• It is difficult to lower contention when we are close to the center of it
• Thoughtless words spew forth like flying debris
• Evacuations may be needed when faced with unhealthy situations
• Water is both cleansing and a powerful force so drink wisely
• When you hit hard times, lean on each other to form a strong and solid base
• Come together as community when faced with common challenges
• Determination, motivation, and support give strength when rebuilding
• Jesus is our calm place no matter what surrounds us

– From “Reflection from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen

August 10, 2024

Reflections on Ferns


• What music are you producing as you grow and unfurl?
• As we rise, we bow our heads
• Take a moment to begin each day in prayer and contemplation
• A small, amazing feather enables flight
• Our perceptions and expectations are steered by our experiences
• Like spores, the deeds we produce affect all things around us
• We seek a positive and rich environment in which to thrive
• A “daily refresh” brings nourishment and health to body and soul
• Beauty shines in more forms than physical appearance
• Notice the unnoticeable
• Tend to the weary and vulnerable
• Respond gently to that which is young, weak, or fragile
• Welcome the light, encouragement, and prayers of others
• Shine God’s soft, healing light on those around you

– From “Reflection from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen

June 16, 2024

Reflections on Crabgrass


• Life’s achievements are like flower clusters growing from tough situations
• Thrive where you are planted, where you find yourself
• A worthy goal is to grow and produce good seed
• Nourish a noble and good heart to make positive results
• Keeping a low profile can help avoid pain and conflict
• Lean on one another, persevere, be tough when needed
• Stars shine out best when surrounded by darkness
• Learn to bend and be flexible when we get stepped on
• Spread out and enjoy the small moments
• Don’t reject something simply because others perceive it as worthless
• May you be encouraged on those days when you feel worn
• When we cling to God we won’t be ground down in defeat
• Take time to be refreshed, especially when in high-traffic areas
• Peace grows from learning yourself and releasing all to God who planted you

From “Reflection from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen 6/15/2024

April 13, 2024

Reflections on Stinkbugs


• May we see beauty beyond the outer facade
• True compassion grows and shines from within
• Gathering together can be encouraging and supportive
• There are times when we just need to be alone
• We sometimes emit “offensive odors” in our daily lives
• People can raise a stink when they are unhappy
• The warmth of a sunshiny disposition can draw crowds
• Flying around without thought can cause confusion and crashes
• Applying pressure to situations often results in unpleasant consequences
• Travel can open one’s eyes to many things
• Surround yourself with what is nourishing for both body and mind
• May your words to others be more than annoying buzzing
• Be present for God, who is always present
• God is with us in the deepest darkest crevices and sunniest windows

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

February 10, 2024

Reflections on Dust


• Notice the everyday fine things of life all around us
• Our surroundings affect us in many ways
• Small experiences can add up to big challenges
• Life’s happenings carry our thoughts and feelings
• Be in prayer when encountering caustic influences
• Negative self-focused inactivity can breed discontent
• Regular cleaning of harmful particles is helpful
• As wind blows, intention moves us forward to clear the air
• Disuse and disinterest may result in loss of skills and potential
• Be aware of how accumulated hurts and trauma affect relationships
• Positive pauses and stillness can bring relief and rest
• Wisdom grows from built up experience
• Allow wisdom to lift, heal, and encourage others
• God cleans the accumulated “dust” from our souls

From “Reflections from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen

September 2, 2023

Reflections on Tree Knots


• Where there are knots, there is growth
• Wisdom grows from our experiences
• See the beauty that is drawn from our imperfections
• Character is reflected in how we shape our lives
• Rugged places can build depth and empathy
• Hold on to positive values to avoid holes
• We are stronger when we come together
• Enjoy the quirky things in life
• Build a strong base connection to meet each day
• Surround yourself with positive influences
• There is beauty in a life well-lived
• Stand tall and support and learn from each other
• Sink yourself deeply in God’s Word
• God is our secure connection to life and being

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

May 19, 2023

Reflections on Feathers


• Soft and light touches lift our spirits
• A child’s love is downy soft
• What you choose to be, to do, to think is a daily diet
• Your daily diet displays as a rainbow of colors for all to see.
• Exercise your spiritual muscles to warm others and withstand enemies
• There are times when we all just want to fly away
• Shedding the old opens room for the new
• Holding things together is often a challenge
• Changing our wayward directions is like refracted light upon shiny feathers
• A strong center stands against much bending and whipping in storms
• We cover and insulate ourselves from outside pressures
• Extend a hand to lighten each other’s load
• We are covered by our Maker’s wings

From “Reflections from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen

January 13, 2023

Reflections on Webs


• See the beauty woven into the fabric of life
• Hope is like drops of dew amidst fragile strands shining in the light
• Outward fragility can belie strength and purpose
• When sticky situations rear up, hold on to what is good and kind
• Dishonesty builds tangled webs of deceit
• Nurture that which builds lasting relationships and overcomes storms
• Attend to tremors and shakings signaling significant arrivals
• If caught unaware, we run headlong into that which can trap us
• Know there is still purpose when we are dusty and spent
• Recognizing our smallness builds humility and empathy
• The spider’s mountain is still a mountain
• We are nourished as we are being formed
• Be one who draws others to receive healing
• When ragged and torn, turn to God who makes us new

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

December 11, 2022

Reflections on Bells

• Joy and peace sound out from the heart
• Words and actions will peal far and wide
• A soft voice, like a carillon, sooths, calms, and brings enjoyment
• A welcome call for meals announces care and fellowship
• What we choose to consume in life brings nourishment or illness
• Unexpected announcements bring excitement or dread
• Be vigilant and heed warning signals when they come
• The tolling of bells draws attention to our own mortality
• Guard your senses and cling to faith to drive away harmful impulses
• Welcome joyful messengers both great and small
• Simple hands and strong cords are each of great value
• Victory celebrations and shouts of triumph lift spirits
• God’s calm strength rings out to all nations
• The ringing bell herds us back to the Shepherd

from “Reflections from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen

September 17, 2022

Reflections on Rice

• It takes a seed to form ideas to have a vision for great things
• We often underestimate the impact of one life upon another
• The effect of one person will have lasting results
• Fear and uncertainty can blind us or hold us back from taking positive steps
• Sometimes we need to remove things which prevent us from growing and becoming
• Cultivate good qualities and use them to benefit others
• A single skill or interest has endless possibilities for expression
• We absorb attitudes, assumptions, ideas, expectations, and philosophies from everything around us
• It is prudent to keep a clear head and take time for contemplation before making decisions and following a chosen course
• Let experience bring calmer responses and clearer insight
• Offering encouragement and value to others is like water to sustain a body
• Food for the soul comes from God, the great provider and source of life

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