Humming busily
Zooming to-and-fro
Waggle dances
For treasures to show
Sweetness of nectar
Rich and fine
Heading there
Now make a beeline!
Workers buzzing
Warm and sunny
Bringing life
With golden honey
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Honey Bees
community
Reflections on Hurricanes
• We draw strength from the warmth of friends and family
• Don’t neglect preparation but anticipate needs and be ready
• Our actions, thoughts, and words are widespread and far-reaching
• Some days and seasons are like a whirling, churning storm
• Opposing forces can cause much trauma and destruction
• Emotions, self-focus, and hormones steer us in vast floods
• It is difficult to lower contention when we are close to the center of it
• Thoughtless words spew forth like flying debris
• Evacuations may be needed when faced with unhealthy situations
• Water is both cleansing and a powerful force so drink wisely
• When you hit hard times, lean on each other to form a strong and solid base
• Come together as community when faced with common challenges
• Determination, motivation, and support give strength when rebuilding
• Jesus is our calm place no matter what surrounds us
– From “Reflection from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Kindling
“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
Let’s Take a Walk
“I need a break. Come on. Let’s take a walk!”
Growing up in a small town, it was very common to see our neighbors strolling down the sidewalks in front of our house. As we greeted each other they would occasionally stop to chat for a few minutes. It was a place and time of closer communities and greater security. We kids were always racing up and down, our shoes pounding the ground as we played and talked with friends in nearby yards.
Walking. Wearing shoes… Even with our occasional disagreements or upsets, we valued those friendships. That makes me think of another kind of “walk” and “shoes.”
What do we do when we see real or perceived differences in others, whether big or small, that we disagree with? I know that, for myself, these are especially important times for me to step back and try to see and understand things from their perspective. We have probably heard or said, “Put yourself into their shoes” or “You haven’t walked in their shoes.” For some things it’s just a simple and easy adjustment or a matter of miscommunication. Other things may be big challenges.
A neat word for being aware of and responding to something or someone is “sensibility.” It makes me think of “the ability to sense things” about situations or others. Considering things from the perspectives of others is key to empathy and compassion… or just plain dealing with the stressors of life. It reminds me of Jesus’ words to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:28-34)
So, let’s take a walk, in community, and nurture our sensibility. My prayer for us all is that we continue to grow in wisdom and understanding. May we learn to love better and to see others through God’s eyes, uplifting each other in prayer and grace.
Charlotte-Anne Allen
It’s Come!
Carols, cantatas, and choirs… Oh, my!
It’s that special time of year
The sound of music fills the air
Of voices and brass and string
Candlelight now softly shining
Red bows and green wreaths displayed
Stories recited and children excited
Games to play and words to sing
Rest from work, busy preparation
Traditions make the season special
Quiet moments for thought and prayer
Love offered and gifts to bring
Times to treasure and remember
Uplift, renew, be of goodwill
In community we worship God
May peace, hope, and joy now ring
– Charlotte-Anne Allen
God is My Hour
In prayer walking with you, oh God
Bowing before You; humbly I fall
Secure in Your presence
Whatever will come
God is my hour
Each minute and second
Our time is revealed
Across ocean’s vastness
Upon this earth
God is my hour
In strength or in weakness
God, you give all that I need
You hold me securely as I turn to You
… Life’s offer to One Who Knows
God is my hour
Morning rise, full of light
Evening come, darkness starshine
Through each day and blackest night
Whatever besets me…
God is my hour
For family, friends, and community
Needy world, where’er I’m found
Thanks be raised that God is here
Faith now offered; comfort bring
God is my hour
To my pastor, Mark Reece, Jr, as he steps out in service
and to all who seek God. Be encouraged.
– Charlotte-Anne Allen
New Song
Like this, and this… Now move these fingers. As my beginner self practices the fingering and chords on my classical guitar, I move slowly. Learning a new piece takes time and attention, whatever the difficulty level may be for that person. It’s not enough just to know the notes but takes so much more into consideration, such as movement across the strings and how to play each phrase. It requires effort and dedication over time to make the whole piece beautiful and meaningful, knowing that there will be mistakes but persevering and doing our best. Then too, it is not so much the level of accomplishment as it is the satisfaction it brings to oneself and to others. This makes it fun and exciting.
Encountering new things is a regular part of life. What new things get you excited? Is it that new car smell, an anticipated job, a relationship, or a baby and new life? Maybe you are looking forward to a time of growth, learning a new skill, gaining knowledge, or an opportunity to serve. New things and new times can be hard and unwanted too. Maybe we’re just ready to shed stressful experiences and move forward. As I grow older, there are more things to miss but there are also more things to treasure. Faith in God, prayer, community, and family are vital supports when facing new situations. Working through new things can be a long process.
What if I just continued to play the same guitar piece or practiced the same scales over-and-over without using them to improve my music… never learned new pieces? I imagine that boredom or apathy would sneak in, and I may give it up completely. Where would I be if I just focused on my mistakes and my missed practice, or if I let my enjoyment be affected by feelings of not being good enough? Satisfaction and contentment come, not just from what we gain through our new experiences, but what we can also give to others.
My prayer is that we will be as new songs each day, that we praise God for his great love as He holds us through our pain and through our joy, and that we give even as we gain… May our lives be as beautiful music in His hands.
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God…
Psalm 40:3
Charlotte-Anne Allen 1/1/2022
Reminders
Heading home one November evening, I pass the yard with the purple flashing lights of a Halloween skeleton which had been left up. As I turn into my driveway, I see that my neighbor has set out his Santa figure and manger scene. Have you noticed a trend too? As the seasons move forward towards year’s end, decorations are being put out earlier and left up longer. Halloween. Thanksgiving. Christmas…
There is a positive hope in these simple and familiar decorations, despite the challenges our world is facing and adjustments to a “new normal.” They reflect a strength of spirit and make room for happier times. I love the positive celebration of life! This time-of-year is a good opportunity to offer encouragement to others, to realize anew the value of family, community, work, church, giving to others…
As we go about our daily routines, what are we doing to strengthen and help each other? Everyone appreciates encouragement and recognition, or a listening ear. The lighted decorations make me think of the verse that says, “Let light shine out of darkness” (*2 Corinthians 4:6). Think of all the workers, the medical community, educators, transport services, and more who have struggled to keep things running. They have truly been a source of light. How are we impacting others and how have we been impacted by loss and a changing economy? How are we celebrating the good and coming together in our shared humanity?
May the flashing lights of the seasons’ decorations or the quiet humble manger scene be reminders. See through the darkness, give thanks for what we have, and remember the Christ child come to earth. In this journey I pray that we will grow stronger, wiser, more caring… trusting and serving God. May His light shine through each of us.
Care
“I’ll be back in a little while,” my mom would say, as she headed out the door to check on some neighbor. They would often call on “Ms. Marge” with questions or concerns about their health, perhaps needing their blood pressure checked, and my mother was always attentive. With her nursing background, we sometimes referred to her as “the neighborhood nurse.” She would make sure they were alright or encourage them to get to the doctor’s office, often taking them herself. My mom was a very caring and giving person.
We are each a part of “community,” and it is by reaching out to each other, using our unique abilities or interests to support and encourage, that we find fulfillment. Whether in times of unrest and difficulty or in everyday routines, how will we rise to the opportunities that we encounter? How will we give and receive care, and so allow God’s light to shine?
In Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, he spoke of his own ministry. “…But we were gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children. So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us.”
I think of my family, friends, and church who have offered their presence, resources, fellowship, practical help, and prayers. What an encouragement! How overwhelmed, humbled, and thankful I have been for them. In big and small ways, we care for each other. It can be hard not to compare ourselves to what others are able to do, can’t it? I’m glad to be able to offer what I can and to express my gratitude when that care is offered to me.
Paul, this time to the Galatians, reminds us, “So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all…” May our words and our actions speak God’s voice, and may we receive and offer grace when we fall short.
My prayer is that we do not miss those opportunities amid the rush and whirl of our daily activities… God bless. Be content.
*1 Thessalonians 2:7b-8, Galatians 6:10
Reflections on Bullfrogs
• Great leaps arise from great thought
• Dive into good tasks with all you have
• Jumping into things without thought can cause unwanted splashes
• Our voices are heard in community
• Speak with forethought as ears are listening
• Sometimes we bellow to draw attention
• Listening to constant bellowing can lead to depression
• Overwhelming others for the sake of gain will backlash
• Big eyes may cause us to overconsume
• When we all want something only for ourselves things can get violent
• The finest looking morsel can sour once gained
• Night can blind us to danger or cloak us in peace
• Wait and watch so you will be prepared
• Good change grows as our Creator works
from “Reflections from the Everyday” caallen
The Still Small Voice 