Purple both inspires and calms
Bringing warmth and thought
A vibrant hue and pleasing blend
…Of blue and red companions wrought
Riches and honor it may imply
Of royalty and favor
But of vain arrogance be warned
Be uplifting and do not waver
Creative insightful encouraging too
Brave of heart and valued worth
Of majesty so rich and true
And one small child of manger birth
Our heavenly King who came to us
To give Himself …now robed in purple
From “On Colors”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Orange speaks of happiness
Relaxed and friendly, enjoying life
Joining neighbors red and yellow
Warm and comfortable, overcoming strife
It speaks of endurance and of strength
A glowing light in evenings sky
Fragrance wafting, juicy sweet
Tangy goodness sends the spirit high
Persevering ever forward
Creative bright and shining out
From One who knows our fears and joys
May our lives serve to brighten about
Lifting encouraging one another
Shining like that splash of orange
From “On Colors”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Honey. I love honey, especially in a cup of hot tea or maybe spread on some toast or a biscuit.
Growing up in a small town, our neighbors behind us kept some beehives and the busy bees were regular visitors to our apple trees. We were also thankful recipients of some of the harvested honey and honeycomb. I still have fond memories of that honey!
A fun fact I’ve heard is that honey is the only natural food source that has all the nutrients that we need. Natural raw honey is rich in antioxidants. It’s also helpful in healing wounds and is a positive alternative to processed sugar. Isn’t that amazing?! The fact that it is good for us really makes one of my favorite verses even more meaningful.
Kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
Proverbs 16:24
Like honey, words spoken in kindness are healthy and healing for both soul and body. When our spirits are low, an encouraging word can be powerful. We remember soft and comforting words offered during times of stress, don’t we? Even if I can’t remember the exact words later, I do remember that they were spoken and how much they meant at the time. Thoughtful words spoken during times of celebration or after hard work and accomplishments are important too.
“Kind words are like honey.” What we choose to do with our words has an impact every day. Do you ever think of the effect of your words, both words spoken, and words left unspoken? I was thinking about the fact that words we don’t say can have as much effect as words we do say. What if we don’t encourage or express our love and caring to someone who needs it? How will that affect their lives and what blessing do we also miss? Then too, what if we hold our tongue and don’t speak that hasty or critical remark? Aren’t we all more prone to snapping at others during times of anxiety or exhaustion? Stepping aside, avoiding words, or being especially mindful of what I say helps… Those are good times for some kind words from others!
Just as a smile is contagious, so are positive and kind words. “…Sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” Maybe we can help each other out with that, and in so doing better reflect God who loves us.
As a fire in the bones
Crashing waves of the ocean
Roaring wind announcing coming storm
Or bubbles soaring shimmering rising sinking
Rainbow colors that shine their joy
Leaving smiles in their wake
So then do we
Release bring forth
Words poured upon our souls
As wind and wave
With great passion and strength
To uplift encourage challenge share hope
Or as softly soaring spheres
Swinging low and rising up again
Inspiring contemplation communion healing
Guided by our Creator’s touch
• As cool weather moves to summer heat, so does time flow ever forward
• As gatherings bring reunion, so friendship brings renewal
• As outdoor activities and fair weather draw us, so encouragement and enjoyment bring us together and build positive relationships
• As lightning flashes and thunder roars, so is one who seeks attention or hides pain
• As vacations and travel bring welcome breaks, so shared experiences and time bring greater understanding and perspective
• As fields are harvested, so completed work satisfies and brings provision
• As yards are mowed and gardens tended, so treat your own bodies with care
• As the smells of summer cooking waft through the air, so does the telling of stories and revisiting of sights renew and build memories
• As the sun’s light and heat engulf us, so may God’s Word fill us
• As water cools and refreshes, so does a positive spirit bring calm and hope
– from “As… so Proverbs”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
– from “As… so Proverbs”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
— from “Reflections from the Everyday” c-a allen
“When clouds are full, they empty rain on the earth” Ecclesiastes11:3
A heart beating strong
Not one to give up
Inspired… Enheartened
In fear to step out and
Now do what is hard
Assured in spirit
Raise hope, calm hearts
Be steadfast and sure
Through faith prevail
Standing bold and firm
Courage
From “My Words to Live By”
Charlotte-Anne Allen 12/04/2021
Psalm 31:22a, 24a – “But you [O LORD] heard my supplications when I cried out to you for help… [All you] be strong, and let your heart take courage…“
From “Reflections from the Everyday” – Charlotte-Anne Allen
Sword – Mighty weapon to defend from harm
… Or lethal rod to destroy and cut
Log – Strong support to build and shelter
… Or battering ram to pummel and rend
Pen – Words of encouragement and knowledge
… Or scathing ridicule and lies
Hammer – To join, unify, and bind
… Or offer violence to break and tear
Brush – Smooth and untangle woeful thoughts
… Or jerk and beat and cause only pain
Paint – Beauty flowing from careful application
… Or sprays of anger and frustration
For help or harm
… We have that choice
Think first, ponder greatly
Seek wisdom and grace
Before wielding
that powerful tongue!
The Still Small Voice 