A childhood game of joy and fun
Reaching out to touch someone
…Can call to mind on any day
Of what we do and what we say
Are we choosing to extend a smile
To be courteous and go that “extra mile”?
…Social media says, “Look at me”
Consider now just what we see
Whether in passing or sharing deep
This world around us, may God keep
Value each other, recognized, known
Let’s tag someone… We’re not alone
Charlotte-Anne Allen
As light upon a quiet lake
Sun’s beam glinting, reaching… cast
So, look into life’s mirror
Images, moments… of time past
Lift your head and see the light
Now contemplate… of what will last
As bobbing crafts in calm waters or
Storms’ choppy waves… see an ever-pointing mast
Our great God is ever with us
Reflect, look once again… at love so vast
Charlotte-Anne Allen
As a star lead the way… so God leads us still
As a donkey faithfully carried the load… so God takes our own burdens
As the stable was a welcome shelter… so we are thankful for our homes
As angels rejoiced and delivered good news… so we share that good news with others
As shepherds cared for their flock… so God cares for his children
As the baby was dependent on others… so humankind needs God
As the mother loved the child… so God loves us
As wise men brought gifts… so God sent his own son as a gift to all
As Christmas trees remind us of life and joy… so be filled
As wreaths speak of unity and eternity… so share goodwill and compassion
As candles light the way… so Christ lights our hearts and way
As bells celebrate Christ’s birth… so celebrate new beginnings
As carols tell the wondrous story… so may our hearts be filled with wonder and hope
As Christmastide leads us to Jesus… so may our lives follow Him
– from “As… so Proverbs”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Finally finished it!
It’s been so nice getting together.
That was a really good book.
Ahh, I was so thirsty!
You did a great job with that.
Don’t thoughts like these make you smile?! … Whether it’s busy care with family or finishing something for work, that feeling of completion and accomplishment brings great satisfaction. A full stomach after a meal or a cool drink of water when thirsty satisfies the needs of our body, as well, and may sometimes be taken for granted.
The book of Psalms offers a lot of praises and thanks to God. This one reminds me of the celebration of Thanksgiving here.
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
Psalm 107:8-9
It made me think of satisfying different kinds of thirst and hunger… like thirst for knowledge or more faith and hunger for friendship, peace, or rest. It’s a daily giving and receiving, fulfillment through God’s provision and presence.
Paul put this well in his letter to the Philippians:
And my God will meet all your needs
according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
As you go through each day, may you bask in God’s great love. May you be filled and satisfied. May it be all and more than enough, as we rest in Him.
And in this satisfaction we rest
Hope and life through each day is best
Through God’s Spirit sent from above
Grant laughter and be filled to live and love
Charlotte-Anne Allen
God’s gentle touch be with us here
In those moments that we so fear
His strong warm hands to hold us tight
God keeps us always in His sight
A love so strong and so true for all
He whispers encouragement when we call
Lifting you up in prayer each day
To our awesome Lord our troubles we lay
Oh, joyful Light that shines always
Fill our hearts and lend strength to our days
Charlotte-Anne Allen
That spark, that sparkle
From within it grows
Lights up our eyes
So that everyone knows
Whether soft and glowing
Or vibrant and open
It brings comfort to others
And assurance for hoping
May we share that bright sparkle
In all that we do
From love it is born
God’s Spirit shines through
Charlotte-Anne Allen
What is it then? What can I say?
About those dirty dishes from the day
Scattered round my kitchen sink
I need to wash them before they stink
As that nice hot water comes pouring out
They’ll be clean in a jiffy and no more lying about
I stack in the plates and utensils too
Suds are building and that will do
A swish and a wipe until that part’s done
Rinsing them off each and every one
Pile in the pots and don’t forget the pan
Scrub them well, as best you can
It’s not a chore, I will confide
As I dry them off or lay them aside
These dirty dishes are a gift God’s given
For they speak of His care and daily provision
Charlotte-Anne Allen
There was a hush as time stood still
With indrawn breath
A pause, a flicker… a moment of clarity
Photos taken in darkest of days and
Moments of sweetest remembrance
… Rarest seconds of quiet
Sigh of rest at day’s end
Death’s final march and
Awe-filled eyes before baby’s first cry
Contemplate life and its grand stories
Cherish and preserve its promise
Look to sunrise and set, day night day
Joy in beloved voices around you
Of love and trials and overcoming
Of a great God ever present
There was a hush
As time stood still
Charlotte-Anne Allen
• 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
“Careful. Just a few more sticks and paper right there.”
“How’s that?”
“Yay! …It’s going now!”
Anyone who’s built a fire may know the importance of laying a good starter. Bits of dry tinder and small pieces of kindling, which easily catch flame, are essential. As the wood is ignited and the bed of coals grows, larger logs can be gradually added. From a small beginning, a useful fire is drawn.
Little by little, using good kindling that is ready and at hand and with careful tending, the fire grows. That image makes me think of how we approach life, and especially our faith. Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, said that faith is given to us by the Spirit (God). That sure helps me when I sometimes struggle with faith during challenging times!
That also makes me more aware of the need to be and to prepare “good kindling”. Staying in prayer, reading the Bible, sharing with a community of faith, friends and family, and serving and caring about others all contribute to building faith. Keeping ourselves, that “kindling”, ready to receive God’s guiding presence is a daily need, isn’t it?!
I’m thankful for the fire of God’s word, even as Jeremiah spoke of God’s word “in (his) heart… like a fire shut up in (his) bones”. My prayer for us all is that God will help us to know and to hear his words, to be mindful of Him in all things through every day, and to welcome that fire. May we be good kindling ready to receive Him.
*1 Corin. 12:9, 2 Corin. 12:9, Jer. 20:9
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The Still Small Voice 