Reflections on Feathers


• Soft and light touches lift our spirits
• A child’s love is downy soft
• What you choose to be, to do, to think is a daily diet
• Your daily diet displays as a rainbow of colors for all to see.
• Exercise your spiritual muscles to warm others and withstand enemies
• There are times when we all just want to fly away
• Shedding the old opens room for the new
• Holding things together is often a challenge
• Changing our wayward directions is like refracted light upon shiny feathers
• A strong center stands against much bending and whipping in storms
• We cover and insulate ourselves from outside pressures
• Extend a hand to lighten each other’s load
• We are covered by our Maker’s wings

From “Reflections from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen

With Us


“Sit with me! Stay with me just a little longer, please!” Similar plaints of a sleepy child at bedtime speak of need and trust… and a hope of delaying sleep and reluctance to acknowledge the day’s end.

While we often treasure quiet time alone, there is also within us an appreciation and a need of another’s comforting presence, isn’t there?!

“Come on in. Stay a while,” others may say. Spending time with family, friends, and new acquaintances can have many benefits. Shared experiences and interests often bring us together, whether through enjoyment or trials. Spending time together can bring a sense of security, unity, and mutual understanding… especially when we face changes or prepare for a different future than that expected or hoped for.

There is a bonding and strengthening, both in times of loss and of celebration, when someone thinks of us and shares their time and presence. It cheers the heart and turns our eyes toward our Creator God.

All this and more seems to open my heart and understanding to God Himself, to realize His great love and the sacrifice He made to come among us, His children. God offered us His very presence, a Light among us, and invited us to join Him!… How wonderfully amazing is that?!

Through the simple willingness of Mary, Jesus Christ (God’s Son) entered the word to live among us and with us… and to bring us hope and new life.

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel”
(which means “God with us”).
Matthew 1:23

As God came to be with us, didn’t He also open the door for us to come to Him? In coming to God, as we believe in Him, we receive the promise that He will be with us always. I love that we were not left as lonely lost children when earthly Jesus moved back to His heavenly quarters. God’s full presence continued through the Holy Spirit, and He is still with us. *

Wherever we are in life today, may we find comfort and joy in God’s presence. May we come as a little child, remembering the gift of the child and resting with the One who understands and loves us. God be with us.

*John 14
Charlotte-Anne Allen

Velvety Purple

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

Citrus Orange

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

Like Honey

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.

Bring forth!

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…so” Proverbs for Summertime

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

“As… so” Proverbs for Springtime

  • As the soil is tilled, so are we made ready to receive
  • As seeds are planted, so are our thoughts guided
  • As creatures emerge from winter shelters, so we step out to discover and grow
  • As flowers rise from the earth, so life is reborn
  • As the sun warms and draws new life, so kind words bring healing and hope
  • As spring rains soak in and nourish, so the sharing of knowledge and wisdom betters our lives
  • As wind tears and roars, so ill-spoken words tear and hurt
  • As weeds are cleared to make room for desired plants, so removal of harmful relationships or habits encourages healthier lives
  • As bushes are pruned and stronger growth results, so we gain wisdom and strength through trials and experience
  • As flowers brighten and green buds burst forth, so music and laughter express joy and peace

from “As… so Proverbs
Charlotte-Anne Allen

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