• 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
When the Hebrew people were in the land of exile, home of the Babylonians, God first spoke to the Jewish priest named Ezekiel. He was only thirty years old! … God had allowed the people to be taken into exile because they had turned from Him, worshiping idols, offering their children as sacrifices, living immorally, violently, and selfishly.
God gave words to his new prophet Ezekiel to call them back to Himself, hard words and difficult messages. There were some really weird visions!
In one vision, there was a valley full of dry bones! “Ezekiel, can these bones live?!” “Only You know sovereign God!” “Prophesy, speak to these bones. I will restore them and put breath back into them.”
And so, Ezekiel obeyed, and God did as He said He would.
Wow! Dry bones. Dead. Without life. Unable to stand. To walk. God spoke, breathed on those dry bones, and restored life. Sinews. Flesh. Bones knitting together.
I’ve had times, and perhaps you have too, when I felt like those dry bones. Like the Hebrew people, we can be drawn away from the true source of life, God eternal. Life experiences, disappointments, unfulfilled expectations, tragedy, and pain shape us and can skew our perspective and understanding.
Yet, like those dry bones, the breath of God’s Spirit will fill us. He raises His children to stand in that dark valley of dry bones. God’s breath! Within us! Ezekiel’s story is an amazing one, one of promise and of hope for us all, isn’t it?! The breath of His Spirit moves within us when we follow God. We begin to take on more of His character, not perfect but striving to serve Him and to care for others. Examining the areas we need to grow in or change is a lifelong process.
We are redeemed. We are restored. We are given new life.
• The good that we create lives on to nourish others • Live in consideration of the legacy you will leave • Things left behind are windows for memories • A little preparation helps prevent unforeseen situations • Commitment results from warm embers and brings about change • Developing strong character and integrity sets one apart • Judging worth by appearance is speaking without experiencing • Seeing ruins may bring both sadness and wonder • Releasing negative thoughts and emotions is not an easy task • When trust is broken relationships can crumble and blow away • A spirit of renewal lends strength to rise above adversity • Humility is not weakness but is gentle strong compassion • A quiet presence during grief brings comfort • God takes the ashes of our lives and creates masterpieces
From “Reflections on the Everyday” Charlotte-Anne Allen
• Waiting for when times are ripe is an exercise in patience • Develop good and savory aspects of your heritage • Preparation can be a long process • Choose that which will build up and strengthen • Discard that which is not productive or nourishing • Consider the many ways your interests and gifts can be used • Be careful of what you surround yourself with • What you surround yourself with will influence all that you are • Careful pruning develops better fruit and stronger character • We project our true character through our words and actions • May the scent of our actions draw and not repel • Act compassionately so others may taste of goodness and hope • Take nourishment through the Son’s light • Draw wisdom and knowledge through God’s Word
From “Reflections from the Everyday” by Charlotte-Anne Allen
• Strength of character is an asset • Dedication and hard work are commendable • Working together brings about strong finishes • Think and pray before making commitments • When you make a commitment stick to it • Keep your goals ever before you • Remember to take time out for a slower pace • Spend quiet solitary time to reflect • Join others in relaxed company • Letting go of anxiety develops inner peace • Mind and body absorb whatever you immerse yourself in • Thoughts turned to the Spirit lead to contentment in life
• We choose to build up or to tear down • Consider your words before you speak, and you will not lament the after • Criticizing in condemnation shuts the door on growth and grace • A careless tongue is like a roaring volcano • An open mouth without consideration often spews flames of hurt • Words of encouragement sweeten the most bitter • What you say or don’t say reveals your character • Wise instruction is a great treasure • The words of others which you eat and drink, will come back up in your own voice • Harsh words shred our soul and tear our heart • Restraint is a strength, so cover your mouth when needed • Fresh air breaths light into a day like songs of praise • Friendship and respect welcome all words shared • Give heed to the eternal Word which is full of grace and might
“I’ll be able to do whatever I want, whenever I want.” What budding young adult upon first striking out on their own, or dreaming of doing so, has not had that thought or something very similar? Children too, fret at times under the authority of their parents or others.
I can remember similar thoughts of my own and I see in my mind’s eye that eighteen-year-old me as she headed off to college. Admittedly, there was a little anxiety as well. Though I was “on my own” I did not leave all behind nor dump what had been instilled in me for the previous eighteen years. I brought with me my faith, my values, life’s teachings, and lessons learned from my parents and others. I realized that with this newfound freedom, there was also great responsibility.
As unfinished and developing human beings, we allow our thoughts, emotions, and actions to drive how we react to others. The familiar, “He (or she) hit me first” of children is echoed in many forms for we adults. We justify ourselves by placing blame and by not recognizing our own responsibilities within our freedom to choose.
Paul said this well in his first letter to the church in Corinth. I like that my Bible titles this section as “The Believer’s Freedom.” He said, “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. *
Wow! That was pretty radical and certainly not something usually promoted, including today. Two words that stood out for me in Paul’s statement are “beneficial” and “constructive.” Not everything that we have the freedom to do results in good. Not everything we have the freedom to do serves a useful purpose or builds up others. While this freedom may be related to written laws or practices it is much more than that. This freedom has to do with personal character and integrity. It has everything to do with personal faith and commitment. Tied into all of this is compassion, love and care for others, and mutual respect.
“That doesn’t make it right” is a common response to the child’s declaration of “He (or she) hit me first!” What are our thoughts, our reactions, or our words to everyday situations? Do they reflect responsible freedom? Do they shine Christ’s light? This is a challenge for us all, I think.
I pray that I will better walk the path of responsible freedom. May we all seek and follow that path, ever striving for that which is beneficial and that which is constructive. All praise and thanks to God who draws His children closer to Him.
The Still Small Voice 