To endure
Great hardship
challenges
or trials
Bearing up
With determination
perseverance
and fortitude
Put up with
Tolerate need
In times of stress
Seek patience
Finding support
to continue on
God hope
strength
Interesting word
… Thole
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Possibilities and hopes
Looking forward
For what may be
Though yet unknown
Time to grow
With soil and sun
Roots now seeking
Nourishment and place
Stretching can be so disquieting
Challenges to thought
Fragile buds bathed
… in grace
God’s light shine
Upon our face
Sweet rich soil
We embrace
To till and tend
To weed and water
For fruitful harvest
By His hands
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Moving forward
Slowly, steadily
As boats navigate
And butterflies migrate
Forge now ahead
Times a changing
Storms grasp
Tossed and tumbling
Sun rising, rays golden
Gently rolling on, softly lifting
Crystal clear blue depths
Or reefs raising grasping fingers
As a skilled smith creates their craft
So does God forge us carefully, beautifully
Through mist and fog, churning and stillness
Fresh and real… in his loving and mighty ways
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Up, chirp, chitter chatter
Squirrel tail goes flitter flatter
Fussing as we pass below
Peering through the leaves just so
Hurling about with great velocity
Their big eyes bright with curiosity
Busily digging, digging about
Hiding food so they won’t go without
Building homes nestled high in a tree
Safe and secure where they can see
Facing our own challenges, we can take notes
From these creative adventurers in furry coats
Charlotte-Anne Allen
“Careful. Just a few more sticks and paper right there.”
“How’s that?”
“Yay! …It’s going now!”
Anyone who’s built a fire may know the importance of laying a good starter. Bits of dry tinder and small pieces of kindling, which easily catch flame, are essential. As the wood is ignited and the bed of coals grows, larger logs can be gradually added. From a small beginning, a useful fire is drawn.
Little by little, using good kindling that is ready and at hand and with careful tending, the fire grows. That image makes me think of how we approach life, and especially our faith. Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, said that faith is given to us by the Spirit (God). That sure helps me when I sometimes struggle with faith during challenging times!
That also makes me more aware of the need to be and to prepare “good kindling”. Staying in prayer, reading the Bible, sharing with a community of faith, friends and family, and serving and caring about others all contribute to building faith. Keeping ourselves, that “kindling”, ready to receive God’s guiding presence is a daily need, isn’t it?!
I’m thankful for the fire of God’s word, even as Jeremiah spoke of God’s word “in (his) heart… like a fire shut up in (his) bones”. My prayer for us all is that God will help us to know and to hear his words, to be mindful of Him in all things through every day, and to welcome that fire. May we be good kindling ready to receive Him.
*1 Corin. 12:9, 2 Corin. 12:9, Jer. 20:9
Charlotte-Anne Allen
I love to encourage people and to see their happy faces… and there is something special about a child’s open face, full of delight and joy!
The word “winsome” came to mind this week and just thinking about it made me smile. It carries a sense of brightness and cheerfulness. A person who is winsome draws smiles from others.
I think it has a lot to do with keeping a positive attitude, too. My mom was such a good example of that. Always encouraging, helping us to see things from better perspectives. Showing a good mood or disposition can be challenging! We choose what frame of mind we want to dwell on, whatever is going on, and that can be easier at some times than others… Oh, that we all could be more winsome in our day-to-day encounters!
Cheerful or happy hearts and dispositions need to be cultivated. It’s something that I still struggle with sometimes. When the thoughts and worries won’t quit whirling around and around in my head, I have to keep looking for the good and working on having a better perspective. Lots of prayer, too! Maybe you have similar challenges. The book of Proverbs gives us some wisdom for attitude adjustments and outlook:
“A cheerful disposition is good for your health…”
or in other words, “A cheerful heart is good medicine…” Proverbs 17:22a
I also love this one, “…the cheerful heart has a continual feast” (Proverbs 15:15b). Don’t you just love that thought?! Nurturing a cheerful heart brings a feast for the soul, not just for ourselves but for everyone we extend that welcome cheer to.
How can we nurture a deep-down happy or positive heart? We can do this by keeping ourselves fueled and connected to God. Tending that time with God, prayer, quiet moments, fellowship and sharing with others we value, and intentional focus on positives and thanks are some things that can help. What are some things that work for you?
Be encouraged! Praying that these thoughts will brighten your days and ease your hearts.
Charlotte-Anne Allen 7/15/2023
What’s this I see,
So large before me?!
Scurry hurry back-and-forth
Take a pause and draw a breath
In this small mite
Things seem so daunting
Mountain high or wall before me
Perhaps a chasm so deep and dark
And yet with wings
We rise and lift to the sky
With feet we stand and climb
Or cross over on bridges firm and true
Is not our Creator
Ever surrounding uplifting
Bringing us up over and through
Revealing beauty and shining promise?
In our smallness
We know God’s greatness.
Charlotte-Anne Allen
● The right combination of ingredients brings out our best
● The blending of our experiences shape who we are
● Consider the ways you can improve yourself and then follow through
● Using a fresh perspective opens our eyes and hearts
● Making needed adjustments keeps us out of the rut and enriches life
● Memories are thoughts that bubble up and burst upon us, often at unexpected times
● Be true to your faith and commitment wherever you are
● A calm and even temperament is much to be desired
● Adding some sweetness brings smiles and shares happiness
● Begin all things with a solid base as you look ahead
● Establish positive routines for development and accomplishment
● When we’re feeling the heat, God’s Spirit helps us to rise
Charlotte-Anne Allen
— from “Reflections from the Everyday” c-a allen
“When clouds are full, they empty rain on the earth” Ecclesiastes11:3
Restful quiet
When exhaustion looms
Comfort and calm
And blessed to relax
Help and strength
So much appreciated
Release of stress
Let go anxiety
Welcome peace
Amidst changes and challenges
Calm assurance
And seeking patience
Grant contentment
When all is done
That light may enter
And joy possess
The Still Small Voice 