comfort

May 12, 2024

Ah, Come Here


“Come here” we call to the bouncing puppy so full of life, reaching out our sheltering arms and welcoming their companionship.

“Come” is used in so many ways but it always points to recognition! After all, there has to be someone the words are directed to. It speaks to us. “You are here. I see you.”

We share the excitement of discovery or offer support and comfort. When we hear, “Wow, come look at this,” we gather around as our curiosity and interest is piqued. The caring, “come here” of family or friend as they reach with open arms, a hug, or an offer of help is welcome, too.

Jesus’s words encourage us to “come.” “Let the little children come to me,” he said to his disciples. At another time, his compassionate words called all “who are weary and burdened” to come to him (Matthew 19:14 and 11:28). He cares about us when we are struggling and brings us the example of coming as a seeking and trusting child. Sometimes the “come here” can be hard to follow and, like a small child exerting that will for independence, we turn away.

Often for me, that voice is a welcome reminder to run to God’s sheltering arms. When my anxiety swells and overwhelms, God’s voice whispers in my ear, “Come to me. I’m here.” It’s in His presence that I begin to learn the nature of love, obedience, security, and protection in daily life. God’s place of acceptance offers shelter and comfort.

Whether we come as a trusting child or a bounding puppy. Whether we come dragging our feet or unable to rise on our own… stressed, tired, or content, may God draw us ever closer to Him. He sees you, recognizes you, and cherishes you. “Ah, come here.”

Be encouraged.


Charlotte-Anne Allen

April 27, 2024

Balm


Warm sunshine and soft country breeze
Quiet sunrise with golden rays
Soft laughter and companionship
Gentle, calming… sooths the soul

What this balmy day can share
Lifts the spirits everywhere
Healing salve for body and mind
Fragrant oil and cooling drop

Home and comfort during trying times
Kick off the shoes and breathing deep
Curing unguent for renewal and rest
There is a balm both caring and sweet

Cracked and dry we seek balsam’s touch
Absorbing goodness to now be restored
Kindness reaches out like Gilead’s finest
… Feel God’s ointment sinking in

Charlotte-Anne Allen

March 31, 2024

YET


A word has recently been popping into my mind and so I have returned to it to see what it is saying to me. 🙂 That word is “yet” …Have you thought about this small but powerful little word before? It’s one of those words that we use a lot. Some ways we might use this small word are:

Are you finished yet?
I don’t know yet.
I have yet to see that happen.
He was yet a child.
Is she here yet?
Yet they were still able to come.
Are we there yet?

Are those any you find yourself saying? …“Yet” means that we have expectations. When we haven’t finished something, called someone, or done something we’ve been asked to do … adding “yet” can make a difference! There are still plans or hopes for the future. “Yet” can spark both anticipation and concern.

Now, the hard part for me, and for most of us, is staying motivated and encouraged. Keeping a positive attitude and persevering can be challenging, can’t it? I still well-remember and appreciate my mom reminding me to take one thing at a time. I’ve also learned to work on my perspective, to trust God for direction, and to focus on the small and “do-able” steps needed. And then there are times to give up our own “yet” and re-examine expectations and life’s journey.

Look how God leads us to adjust our own “yet” as he modeled his own:

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners,
Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 NASB

God didn’t wait for us to be perfect examples (That’s impossible anyway, isn’t it?!). His help with waiting, reminding me of the need for patience, and adjusting expectations knowing that He with us through the long haul… that’s what keeps me going. God has gone before us and is waiting and preparing for us as we travel to the “yet.”

My prayers for myself and for us all, is that God will surround us with people, and will create us to be people, who help during all our “yets”. I am so thankful that he came to us first, during our greatest “yet”. Be encouraged.

Charlotte-Anne Allen

March 2, 2024

Up


When upside down
Unhappy frown
A welcome “up” we seek

Cheerful voice and lips uplifted
Encouragement to be gifted
… Bring sunshine to gray days

Listen up and hear
When our hearts feel fear
… To God’s quiet presence within

Don’t hang it up when we are sprawled
On our backs where we have crawled
… Take a breath and be at rest

Offered helping hand
Now we can stand
Wake up, walk up, climb up

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

December 17, 2023

Blankies and Comfort


Did you have a blanket or toy you were attached to when you were a child? I remember the Raggedy Ann doll that my mother made for me. I loved that doll and the comfort it gave me! One summer I took it with me on a trip to my grandparents’ home and was quite concerned until my youngest cousin returned it after carrying it around for a while.

Whether it’s a cozy blanket, special toy, the company of others, or perhaps a special place or person… those sources of comfort stick to our memory, don’t they? Comfort is something we crave from birth, turning toward the source of nourishment and security. I think of newborn Jesus comforted by his mother, wrapped in warm cloths, cradled in her arms, and laid in the security of the manger. I imagine Joseph caring for them both and the light of God’s presence there with them. Can’t you just see that in your mind?!

Think of how Jesus was a source of comfort and healing during his time on earth. Before he was taken back up, Jesus told his disciples that God would send an Advocate or Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to them (John 14:26-27). We are not alone. Then Paul talked about the “God of all comfort”. I love how he went on to say that God “comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” Comfort is something that we share with others, whether it be through words, actions, or simple presence and support.

As you cherish your times of comfort or see a child with their comforting “blankie,” be encouraged. May you in turn reach out to others to offer your own comfort. What a better world this would be if we could be more intentional in doing that. I’m so thankful for God, who both challenges and comforts us.

Charlotte-Anne Allen

December 10, 2023

Reflections on Stables


• Smell the sweet, the rank, the rich variety of each day
• Contentment is a choice to be pursued and adopted
• Life is full when surrounded by companions amid the messes
• Warmth and security emanate from care and craft
• Prepare and lay down what is needed for daily tasks
• Work together and receive instruction and assistance humbly
• Dedicated labor brings care and satisfaction
• Build strongly and wisely
• Home is shelter and a quiet place to curl up
• Caring for needs fortifies and feeds minds and bodies
• Give thanks for warm dry shelter
• We are all part of a rich stew – sheep, donkey, horse, cow, cat, dog…
• The seemingly lowest of places can give birth to the greatest of light
• See the Light that pierces through the dust and grime of life

From “Reflections from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen

November 11, 2023

Leaves


The crunch of autumn leaves beneath my feet reminds me of the changing seasons. Falling leaves swirl around me, carried by the soft wind, twirling in the late afternoon sun. Reds, yellows, oranges, and rusty browns all speak of the shifting seasons. They cling to the trees, that source of sustenance and growth, and then finally release to their next season of fulfillment.

I think of the leaves as a reflection of our own lives. We too grow and change, drawing from God who is our source of strength and grace, and travel through our own seasons and experiences. We are lifted and sent forth to encourage and build up others around us, offering care and a bit of wisdom from past experiences.

I gently swoosh the leaves in my path, as I watch a couple’s dog joyfully bounce through the mounds of newly released leaves. His joy brings a smile to my own face, and a hymn of rejoicing based on Psalm 100 sounds in my mind.

“Oh, be joyful in the Lord all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness.
Come before his presence with a song. Bless the Lord! Bless the Lord!”

May we be as newly sent forth leaves, rejoicing as the Light shines upon us and as the wind of God’s Spirit lifts us up. Let’s breathe deeply of His presence and step forward with Him by our side, soaking in the peace of a hard day done or lifting words of thanks and song.

Charlotte-Anne Allen