February 22, 2025

Salt

A savory addition
Adding flavor and zest

For a simple morsel
Bringing health that is best

To be worth one’s salt
And use good common sense

Dependable and steadfast
Now that is immense

Good salt brings enjoyment
It’s of value and pure

Adds welcome seasoning
Brings encouragement, for sure

Charlotte-Anne Allen

February 15, 2025

Preparation

Look ahead to what is needed
What may be coming and should be heeded?

Be it home or work or play
What will be done by end of day?

Now, do not stress, for we can make do
But acting wisely is important too

If notes are needed, then jot them down
Put on a smile and do not frown

Not caught up with worry and in a big rush
Take time to see beauty, open ears, and hush

Then do your best and show you have cared
Draw a breath, take one step, and as able… be prepared

Charlotte-Anne Allen

February 8, 2025

Mid-Winter Morn

Towering giants
stretch their bare arms
To cloudy sky

Weekend dreamers
Slumber in warm cocoons
As quiet reigns

Soft breeze
Gently stirs bushes…rustling
In morn’s dim glow

Feathered residents
Silently huddle in chilly patience
Winging fleetingly aloft

Footsteps sound
Crunching on dry grass and leaves
Delivering morning meals

Nipped nose
Draws in crisp fresh air
This mid-winter morn

Charlotte-Anne Allen

February 1, 2025

Ripples

Ripples… Ripples spreading across the surface of the water. We kids laugh as we challenge each other to see how far we can skip our rocks, chosen with the greatest care for shape, size, and weight.
… Dad and mom smile as we enjoy our afternoon at the local lake. We race along the shoreline and then gather at the table for our impromptu picnic of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, perhaps with some chips or apples, maybe some pickles, and something for thirsty throats. Thinking of those happy days makes me smile.

My mind travels ahead through our growing years and into adulthood. I think of all the ripples that have been set in motion by each of our lives. All that we have said, done, and thought echo through the waters of time. Through joy and pain, peace and tumult, life and death… new birth grows around us and through us.

And do we live in contentment? May it be so! For there is One greater than us all, who travels with us and looks after us. They are daily reminders of wonder and awe, if we but see it and hear it, listening fully and resting in God’s awesome presence.

I am reminded of Paul’s letter to the Philippians: “…if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things… I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” [Philippians 4:8b, 12b-13]

When discontent churns in me, I have discovered that finding that calm place is a great challenge and sometimes a long road. I cling to God like a young child. His patient love fills me. The psalmist must have had a sense of this as well when he said, “But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.” [Psalm 131:2]

So, from this racing world and anxious hearts… for good or harm, the ripples of our being spread. May we turn to God for quiet, compassionate hearts and lips.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23

Ripples… Ripples spreading across the surface of the water. May God’s light shine.
Be encouraged.

Charlotte-Anne Allen

January 26, 2025

Tag

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

January 19, 2025

Reflections on Eggs

• Life is a miracle in form and spirit
• There is beauty in the simplest of things around you
• The fragility of life can be daunting
• When you are shattered much is revealed about yourself
• Embrace positive thoughts and healthy ways
• Ideas and inspiration give birth to greatness
• Change happens when cracks form in life
• Transformation and change can be painful
• There is growth and potential when we persevere
• Sometimes growth can be messy
• Rolling with situations can reduce stress and avoid crashes
• Renew, refresh as each evening you rest
• Much amazing good can come from single small beginnings
• God is our source of nourishment and strength

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