Encouragement

September 20, 2026

It Was the Time…


It was the time of the night
When we reach out our hands
To the One who is Lord of all

It was the time of the night
When we seek His touch
As a child held safe and warm

It was the time of the night
When we call out His name
From a heart of need or want

It was the time of the night
When we see how great
Is the One who gave His life

It was the time of the night
When we know God’s care
And hope has room to grow

It was the time of the night
When weary spirits can lift
For light… God’s love for us

Charlotte-Anne Allen

May 16, 2026

Blah!


A thought, a word, an exclamation!
“Blah” we say
When things are crazy…
Or do not go our way

Some days are “yay”
So bright and fair
Then comes those times
When “blah” is there

Oh, grateful for friends
Who encourage and smile
They stick beside us
Even walk an extra mile

Heed “Frog and Toad”
Accepting and true
There for “yays” and “blahs”
Together in all they do

Charlotte-Anne Allen
Inspired by “Frog and Toad” by Arnold Lobel
Smile and be encouraged!

April 11, 2026

Hop


A hop, a skip, a jump we say
It’s not so very far away

To reach a nearby destination
Rise up and go, no hesitation

Inhale deeply gather and move
Getting started in the groove

Take things slowly enjoy the trip
Cool breeze sunshine and pause for a sip

Embrace life’s riches and rest your mind
Into our moments… treasures to find

Charlotte-Anne Allen

February 8, 2026

Crumbs


For an excellent meal, now leave no crumbs
A testament of preparation well done
Consumed with great appreciation
Coming together after contemplation

Now evidence of great worth and clout
We see crumbs that brought much help about
Good news perhaps or spoken words
As a symphony of music from joyous birds

Come together generously with our crumbs
Sharing, offering, giving whatever sums
Our bread, our cake, all morsels humbly given
Bring strength and encouragement for all the living

Charlotte-Anne Allen

January 25, 2026

Reflections on Ice


• Things that are hard can both protect and crack
• Our lives are like icebergs, holding much beneath the surface
• Change, whether slow or rapid, requires many adjustments
• The support of others covers many difficulties
• Use caution when navigating slippery situations
• Calmness can be cool and refreshing when things get hot
• A heated temper needs space and time to cool down
• A cold heart is an unhappy heart
• We can become numbed through adverse conditions
• Preservation of positive character helps bring and maintain lasting relationships
• Like people, frozen water comes in many forms and varieties
• Homes are formed in our very diversity… we penguins, polar bears, and seals
• Refractions through these prisms bring forth amazing results
• The shining Light of God displays beauty within

Charlotte-Anne Allen

September 28, 2025

Cool


Refreshing
Mist upon my face
Soft wind sighing
Chasing away day’s heat

Ice cream
Sliding down my throat
Cool water
Splashes upon warm skin

Bare feet
On a chilly morn
Soft pillow
Beneath my head

Cool hand
Soothing weepy child
Breath of fresh air
In early morning light

Bring with these
Cool’s restful thoughts
Life and love
God’s gentle presence

Charlotte-Anne Allen

September 21, 2025

Reflections on Mush

  • Life’s simple things bring greatest satisfaction
  • Great ideas can come from unlikely looking sources
  • Kind words spread warmth and encouragement
  • Well-intended and communicated ideas are more easily swallowed
  • Patience and attention are needed for positive outcomes
  • Allow things to set for clearer ways to proceed
  • It is not the amount of words spoken that matter most
  • Choose your ingredients with care before use
  • Stirring often inspires greater kindness
  • A pinch of salt brings greater savor
  • When all is overwhelming, turn down the heat
  • There is great value in versatility and helpfulness
  • Thoughtful acts add sweetness to life
  • Life’s flavor and nourishment are found in our Creator

Charlotte-Anne Allen