care

June 15, 2025

Reflections on Wood


• 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

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

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

November 1, 2024

God’s Touch (a prayer)


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

October 13, 2024

Dirty Dishes


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

January 13, 2024

Finding Joy in a New Year


Gather now on mountain’s slope
Valley’s vista spread before
In-drawn breath to pause with hope
As sun’s slow rising opens its door.

Growing light quietly warming soft shade
Twinkling touch wakes window pane
Time whispering flowing across glade
Marvel, marvel… strength to gain

Joy-finder mid chaos and fear
Children, laughter, friend, and smile
Elder’s touch and calm wisdom here
Life in full to walk a while

Look and see inside our heart
And for true peace this day embrace
Doubt or grief, new life or start
Another year we lift our face

God reaches out and gathers us up
Opens eyes and ears to know He’s there
… He invites us in with Him to sup
Joy-bringer to joy-finder within His care

Charlotte-Anne Allen