darkness

March 18, 2023

Bug’s-Eye View

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

April 16, 2022

A Better Day (Our Easter Journey)

Heading toward Jerusalem
He entered it that day
Shouts of acclamation
Cries to be saved

Walking among the people
He spoke lasting words
Showed us servant giving
As storm clouds gathered

Oh, where now is our Savior
Betrayed by those beloved
In agony and prayer
Obedient Lamb of God

Can there be such compassion
In the midst of fear and doubt
Loss grief despair confusion
Striking buffeting death

What’s this now seen in darkness
Piercing light and open way
Speaks of new beginnings
Life rises out of love

Jesus walks among us
Transforms our doubt to joy
Fellowship for all who come
Hear see eat with him… Believe

Can it be so simple
Toddler’s first wobbly step
God’s strong hand and presence
Direction faith and hope reborn

Light’s rays to guide us
To lift and reassure
Life’s purpose now before us
There is a better day

January 15, 2022

Reflections on Clouds

  • Many things contribute to our formation
  • We choose to be cooling and soothing or a disappointing wet blanket
  • It takes energy and intention to encourage and build up those around us
  • Seasons of storms are part of life
  • Change springs upon us or silently grows
  • We sometimes drift far from home
  • Rising to challenges can be very difficult
  • As experience accumulates, we are better able to nourish others
  • We seek to shield those we love from hurt and harm
  • A protective covering and caring arms bring comfort and strength
  • Settling down on a quiet slow day brings great contentment
  • A day to drift brings peace and releases stress
  • Celebration is great when darkness and strife are broken
  • Like light bursting through dark clouds, let God shine through you

— from “Reflections from the Everyday” c-a allen

“When clouds are full, they empty rain on the earth” Ecclesiastes11:3

January 17, 2020

I Found a Treasure

sunrise_IMG_0887_blue dot edited out

I found a treasure shining bright
Among the rocks and weeds

Not of gold and jewels rare
But something born of seeds

In lowly places there it grew
It lifted its face to warmth of sun

And there upon the peaks and trails
I saw it beckon and began to run

Darkness did not overcome that glow
It shone anew as shining star

Through tossing waves and sliding sand
In sheltered valley or mountain far

A new day risen to setting sun and upon
Nights cool twinkle …I lifted my eyes

There now cradled in God’s great hand
Planted by One both pure and wise

I found a treasure shining bright
Discovered the gift of His great LOVE

* In loving memory of Ron Jeffries