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
Spread its arms so round and true
Joined together clasping tightly
Firm boundaries to speak and declare
Now look to the center to show us where
Moving turning in ordered motion
Complete and whole so satisfying
Gaze around in awe and wonder
Savoring the vastness of eternity’s splendor
As swirling water released down drain
Wind-chased leaves tightly lifted up
Rain’s swift drops upon mirrored surface
And sun, moon, and planets of glowing hue
A rounded loaf and water cup
In busy pursuit upon bowl’s rim
We meet ourselves upon life’s cycle
Pause and muse on earth and heaven
Our quest in life and the circles we touch
…The infinite love of God enfolds us
Gathering welcoming upon this circle
From “Forms Around Us”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
• 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
We lift our faces to sun’s warm glow
On summer day or winter’s snow
To lips we bring in welcome cheer
food and drink to nourish us here
A child we hold in tender care
Holding closely to see them there
Picking up each other too
Showing our care and being true
We lift our prayers; we lift our eyes
To One who knows and is most wise
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Stretching, reaching, open wide
Life indrawing for this ride
New day’s rising now begin
Or coming rest from what has been
Breathing deeply, seeking, filling
Widen eyes and bring some healing
Close your eyes; release the stress
Prayers now for God to bless
Awaking thoughts now seek with might
Looking, wondering to the Light
Charlotte-Anne Allen
“Stop here. Now, back slowly. Turn the steering wheel just so… and now into the spot between the two cars… Got it!”
I recall the time, many years ago now, when I took driver’s ed in high school and had to learn to parallel park. It was a bit of a challenge at first. Steering the car just so took some practice… Perhaps you can relate.
I saw a sign recently that read, “Make God your steering wheel…” That same day, I heard on the radio, “Steering is easier when you are in motion. It’s harder to turn the steering wheel when sitting still.” That got me to thinking.
When we ask someone to “steer me in the right direction” we are asking which way to go to find something or for help in making a right decision. A prayer in the book of Psalms says, “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.* James used illustrations about bits in the mouths of horses to turn them and large ships driven by strong winds yet steered by a small rudder.*
It may seem obvious, but steering requires movement. Moving involves taking steps and making decisions. How many goals, dreams, or calls have I had but have felt too distracted, insecure, or weak to persevere and pursue them?
Like parallel parking it may take some practice and work to move. Prayer and trusting God to do the steering and to show us the right way helps us move forward one step at a time. There are some things that I’ve had to set to the side for a while but there are good things in their place for now… and that’s a thought for another day.
My prayer for us all is that we will trust God to show us His way and that we will trust Him to do the steering. Ever willing, ever moving. Be encouraged and celebrate the small steps.
*Psalm 25:4, James 3:3-4
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Gather now on mountain’s slope
Valley’s vista spread before
In-drawn breath to pause with hope
As sun’s slow rising opens its door.
Growing light quietly warming soft shade
Twinkling touch wakes window pane
Time whispering flowing across glade
Marvel, marvel… strength to gain
Joy-finder mid chaos and fear
Children, laughter, friend, and smile
Elder’s touch and calm wisdom here
Life in full to walk a while
Look and see inside our heart
And for true peace this day embrace
Doubt or grief, new life or start
Another year we lift our face
God reaches out and gathers us up
Opens eyes and ears to know He’s there
… He invites us in with Him to sup
Joy-bringer to joy-finder within His care
Charlotte-Anne Allen
“In fullness,” now what does that mean,
When busy or stressed and a way is not seen?
Of God, of time, on earth to show
He comes to us so that we can know
Filled through Christ, God’s Son
In awe and humility before Mighty One
Wholeness, abundance in what really counts
Overflowing through grace in generous amounts
Tired souls can then begin to sing
Fullness in all and everything
Completeness satisfies our yearning
Filled to capacity, overflowing… we’re learning
This is life, breathing that goodness
Living daily in His fullness
Ephesians 3:19; 1:22
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Did you have a blanket or toy you were attached to when you were a child? I remember the Raggedy Ann doll that my mother made for me. I loved that doll and the comfort it gave me! One summer I took it with me on a trip to my grandparents’ home and was quite concerned until my youngest cousin returned it after carrying it around for a while.
Whether it’s a cozy blanket, special toy, the company of others, or perhaps a special place or person… those sources of comfort stick to our memory, don’t they? Comfort is something we crave from birth, turning toward the source of nourishment and security. I think of newborn Jesus comforted by his mother, wrapped in warm cloths, cradled in her arms, and laid in the security of the manger. I imagine Joseph caring for them both and the light of God’s presence there with them. Can’t you just see that in your mind?!
Think of how Jesus was a source of comfort and healing during his time on earth. Before he was taken back up, Jesus told his disciples that God would send an Advocate or Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to them (John 14:26-27). We are not alone. Then Paul talked about the “God of all comfort”. I love how he went on to say that God “comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” Comfort is something that we share with others, whether it be through words, actions, or simple presence and support.
As you cherish your times of comfort or see a child with their comforting “blankie,” be encouraged. May you in turn reach out to others to offer your own comfort. What a better world this would be if we could be more intentional in doing that. I’m so thankful for God, who both challenges and comforts us.
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The sun rises and we greet the day
To dread or cheer along the way
What this we think, we look, we see
Of how we’ll live and how we’ll be
As light shines now bright and clear
Or through fog and cloud, from One so dear
To warm the heart and fortify our bone
Lift our faces…We are not alone
A promise renew and peace lift up
For strength and joy to fill our cup
We thank you God for your love and care
For this new day, with us everywhere
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The Still Small Voice 