Encouragement

September 14, 2024

Distractions, Distractions


Hey, look at this!
Could you…?
“Crash!”
What was that?
I just found out…
Did you know…?”

Distractions are all around us, pulling us away from our current tasks or thoughts, demanding our attention, diverting us from our plans! Whether building frustration or simply giving up on any thought of completion, there is often an accompanying level of irritation or resignation. Our own thoughts distract us, as we turn to more pleasant or troublesome things. Anticipated plans or activities can fall by the wayside.

What are we to do? How can we ever get anything done? … And if we do finally get our chosen or needed tasks completed, what is our final state-of-mind? We rush to get through our responsibilities so we can get on to better things and are left feeling drained and dissatisfied.

Distractions, distractions! But are they really? I have been challenged to look at those perceived distractions in a new light. As we take a breath and pray for wisdom… and a quiet heart that trusts in God’s timing, our whole perspective shifts.

In our daily experiences we begin to see these distractions as opportunities to serve others. What a great difference we make when our frustration and impatience turn more toward caring attention and love… and when we give ourselves grace and extend that grace to others when we struggle. Paul encourages us too with his words to the Romans, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” *

May our days be filled with opportunities, our eyes be opened to them, and our hearts be encouraged.

*Romans 12:10
Charlotte-Anne Allen

August 10, 2024

Reflections on Ferns


• What music are you producing as you grow and unfurl?
• As we rise, we bow our heads
• Take a moment to begin each day in prayer and contemplation
• A small, amazing feather enables flight
• Our perceptions and expectations are steered by our experiences
• Like spores, the deeds we produce affect all things around us
• We seek a positive and rich environment in which to thrive
• A “daily refresh” brings nourishment and health to body and soul
• Beauty shines in more forms than physical appearance
• Notice the unnoticeable
• Tend to the weary and vulnerable
• Respond gently to that which is young, weak, or fragile
• Welcome the light, encouragement, and prayers of others
• Shine God’s soft, healing light on those around you

– From “Reflection from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen

June 16, 2024

Reflections on Crabgrass


• Life’s achievements are like flower clusters growing from tough situations
• Thrive where you are planted, where you find yourself
• A worthy goal is to grow and produce good seed
• Nourish a noble and good heart to make positive results
• Keeping a low profile can help avoid pain and conflict
• Lean on one another, persevere, be tough when needed
• Stars shine out best when surrounded by darkness
• Learn to bend and be flexible when we get stepped on
• Spread out and enjoy the small moments
• Don’t reject something simply because others perceive it as worthless
• May you be encouraged on those days when you feel worn
• When we cling to God we won’t be ground down in defeat
• Take time to be refreshed, especially when in high-traffic areas
• Peace grows from learning yourself and releasing all to God who planted you

From “Reflection from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen 6/15/2024

May 12, 2024

Ah, Come Here


“Come here” we call to the bouncing puppy so full of life, reaching out our sheltering arms and welcoming their companionship.

“Come” is used in so many ways but it always points to recognition! After all, there has to be someone the words are directed to. It speaks to us. “You are here. I see you.”

We share the excitement of discovery or offer support and comfort. When we hear, “Wow, come look at this,” we gather around as our curiosity and interest is piqued. The caring, “come here” of family or friend as they reach with open arms, a hug, or an offer of help is welcome, too.

Jesus’s words encourage us to “come.” “Let the little children come to me,” he said to his disciples. At another time, his compassionate words called all “who are weary and burdened” to come to him (Matthew 19:14 and 11:28). He cares about us when we are struggling and brings us the example of coming as a seeking and trusting child. Sometimes the “come here” can be hard to follow and, like a small child exerting that will for independence, we turn away.

Often for me, that voice is a welcome reminder to run to God’s sheltering arms. When my anxiety swells and overwhelms, God’s voice whispers in my ear, “Come to me. I’m here.” It’s in His presence that I begin to learn the nature of love, obedience, security, and protection in daily life. God’s place of acceptance offers shelter and comfort.

Whether we come as a trusting child or a bounding puppy. Whether we come dragging our feet or unable to rise on our own… stressed, tired, or content, may God draw us ever closer to Him. He sees you, recognizes you, and cherishes you. “Ah, come here.”

Be encouraged.


Charlotte-Anne Allen

April 13, 2024

Reflections on Stinkbugs


• May we see beauty beyond the outer facade
• True compassion grows and shines from within
• Gathering together can be encouraging and supportive
• There are times when we just need to be alone
• We sometimes emit “offensive odors” in our daily lives
• People can raise a stink when they are unhappy
• The warmth of a sunshiny disposition can draw crowds
• Flying around without thought can cause confusion and crashes
• Applying pressure to situations often results in unpleasant consequences
• Travel can open one’s eyes to many things
• Surround yourself with what is nourishing for both body and mind
• May your words to others be more than annoying buzzing
• Be present for God, who is always present
• God is with us in the deepest darkest crevices and sunniest windows

– From “Reflections from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen

March 31, 2024

YET


A word has recently been popping into my mind and so I have returned to it to see what it is saying to me. 🙂 That word is “yet” …Have you thought about this small but powerful little word before? It’s one of those words that we use a lot. Some ways we might use this small word are:

Are you finished yet?
I don’t know yet.
I have yet to see that happen.
He was yet a child.
Is she here yet?
Yet they were still able to come.
Are we there yet?

Are those any you find yourself saying? …“Yet” means that we have expectations. When we haven’t finished something, called someone, or done something we’ve been asked to do … adding “yet” can make a difference! There are still plans or hopes for the future. “Yet” can spark both anticipation and concern.

Now, the hard part for me, and for most of us, is staying motivated and encouraged. Keeping a positive attitude and persevering can be challenging, can’t it? I still well-remember and appreciate my mom reminding me to take one thing at a time. I’ve also learned to work on my perspective, to trust God for direction, and to focus on the small and “do-able” steps needed. And then there are times to give up our own “yet” and re-examine expectations and life’s journey.

Look how God leads us to adjust our own “yet” as he modeled his own:

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners,
Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 NASB

God didn’t wait for us to be perfect examples (That’s impossible anyway, isn’t it?!). His help with waiting, reminding me of the need for patience, and adjusting expectations knowing that He with us through the long haul… that’s what keeps me going. God has gone before us and is waiting and preparing for us as we travel to the “yet.”

My prayers for myself and for us all, is that God will surround us with people, and will create us to be people, who help during all our “yets”. I am so thankful that he came to us first, during our greatest “yet”. Be encouraged.

Charlotte-Anne Allen

March 2, 2024

Up


When upside down
Unhappy frown
A welcome “up” we seek

Cheerful voice and lips uplifted
Encouragement to be gifted
… Bring sunshine to gray days

Listen up and hear
When our hearts feel fear
… To God’s quiet presence within

Don’t hang it up when we are sprawled
On our backs where we have crawled
… Take a breath and be at rest

Offered helping hand
Now we can stand
Wake up, walk up, climb up

Charlotte-Anne Allen

February 10, 2024

Reflections on Dust


• Notice the everyday fine things of life all around us
• Our surroundings affect us in many ways
• Small experiences can add up to big challenges
• Life’s happenings carry our thoughts and feelings
• Be in prayer when encountering caustic influences
• Negative self-focused inactivity can breed discontent
• Regular cleaning of harmful particles is helpful
• As wind blows, intention moves us forward to clear the air
• Disuse and disinterest may result in loss of skills and potential
• Be aware of how accumulated hurts and trauma affect relationships
• Positive pauses and stillness can bring relief and rest
• Wisdom grows from built up experience
• Allow wisdom to lift, heal, and encourage others
• God cleans the accumulated “dust” from our souls

From “Reflections from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen