A savory addition
Adding flavor and zest
For a simple morsel
Bringing health that is best
To be worth one’s salt
And use good common sense
Dependable and steadfast
Now that is immense
Good salt brings enjoyment
It’s of value and pure
Adds welcome seasoning
Brings encouragement, for sure
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Warm sunshine and soft country breeze
Quiet sunrise with golden rays
Soft laughter and companionship
Gentle, calming… sooths the soul
What this balmy day can share
Lifts the spirits everywhere
Healing salve for body and mind
Fragrant oil and cooling drop
Home and comfort during trying times
Kick off the shoes and breathing deep
Curing unguent for renewal and rest
There is a balm both caring and sweet
Cracked and dry we seek balsam’s touch
Absorbing goodness to now be restored
Kindness reaches out like Gilead’s finest
… Feel God’s ointment sinking in
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
For thoughtful words
Help through a day
Show gratia grace
It is a good way
Expressing thankfulness
Fills up our cup
Appreciation
Cheers all of us up
Quiet presence
When we are grieved
Generosity sooths a soul
Is gratefully received
For kindness whether
Things are good or tough
Finding contentment
In having sufficient… enough
Such pleasing gratitude
From “My Words to Live By”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Of summer tastes
We can delight
In crispy apples
Or juicy melons
A teaspoon of honey
In season or out
Refreshes one’s spirit
In so many ways
Flavorful berries
Freshly picked
Oh, how wonderful
To eat by the gallons
Sweeter than these
Are kind words spoken
To encourage and brighten
Through nights and days
Charlotte-Anne Allen
• A true home is where you can be yourself
• We draw nourishment from positive words and actions
• Create surroundings that protect you and don’t tear you down
• Tough exteriors often conceal soft hearts
• Beauty comes in many forms and colors
• Good can be found in the midst of movement and storm
• When mired in trouble seek the light
• Care from others helps heal cracked hearts and lives
• Make your home a place where others can find shelter
• Do not let life’s true treasures rush by unnoticed
• There is much to discover at a slower pace
• God’s power moves us, forms us, and protects us
From “Reflections from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
• Approach life with interest, flavor, and zest
• Treasure those memories of special moments frozen in time
• Cold hearts lead to a dreary life but warm hearts provide cheer to many
• True friendship is like a taste of creamy goodness
• Live honestly that your true colors reflect integrity
• Sharing compassionately arises from brokenness
• Do not allow frosty responses to dim your peace
• Be your positive and add color and flavor to life
• When coldness invades, allow warmth to savor goodness
• God can melt the most cold and stubborn heart
• Seek what refreshes and strengthens you and give thanks
• Missed opportunities can result from frozen indecision
• Let go of worries and enjoy good fruits of life
• Your center support is God’s strong presence
From “Reflections from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
I was thinking about all the ways I use the word “good” … both positively and negatively!
That’s good.
You need anything? … I’m good. Thanks
Have a good day!
This is no good.
Good morning!
That tastes good.
Be good…
Good Lord!
And what does “good” really mean anyway? Many a debate or disagreement boils down to a different perception or opinion of what is good. We try to teach children to make good choices and to use good behavior and manners. What one person thinks is good may not be good at all to another person. I may decide that something is a good idea, only to change my mind about it later… Changing situations and differences in how we grew up or our current culture, among other things, lead to some differences.
Yet there are many common things for which “good” is very apparent. The Bible sets our standard for goodness using different examples and teachings. I love how it shows real people struggling through life, some failing dramatically and others accomplishing great or positive things for the good of many. Micah said it well!
He has told you, mortal one, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8 NASB
How do we decide what is good for a given situation or for life in general? What helps us to decide what is good. I find that taking time for self-reflection helps keep me on track. Just stopping, praying, reading God’s Word, listening, and considering recent actions or thoughts and perceptions is a great way to steer back in the right direction! I realize areas where I need to improve and to hopefully consider where I have grown and learned. Do I “do justice” … and what does that mean anyway? It is a high goal – to be founded on love, be honest, have integrity, be true, and be faithful. “To love kindness” is something that attracts, to care for others and to be cared about. When we walk humbly with God, we recognize His sovereignty or authority and our own imperfect nature and we follow Him, secure in His presence and knowing that He walks with us always.
What is good? That which lives out our love for God, our love for others, and His faithfulness and mercy.
Charlotte-Anne Allen 2/25/2023
Related: “Just Justice” (poem)
• A good foot rub relaxes body and soul
• We often take things we use daily for granted
• Comfort is bare feet on the cool grassy ground
• Bringers of good news are like sunshine after a cloudy day
• Be mindful of where you go and whom you walk with
• Travel brings new discoveries and renewed relationships
• Stand firmly for goodness and justice
• Consider possible consequences to avoid slipping
• Some paths are full of rocks, roots, and washouts
• Wisdom speaks from experience
• Heed words of wisdom to avoid stumbling
• It’s good to put your feet up and breathe after a busy day
• Walk through life seeing interruptions as positive opportunities
• Follow the feet of our Shepherd
–from “Reflections from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
• The good that we create lives on to nourish others
• Live in consideration of the legacy you will leave
• Things left behind are windows for memories
• A little preparation helps prevent unforeseen situations
• Commitment results from warm embers and brings about change
• Developing strong character and integrity sets one apart
• Judging worth by appearance is speaking without experiencing
• Seeing ruins may bring both sadness and wonder
• Releasing negative thoughts and emotions is not an easy task
• When trust is broken relationships can crumble and blow away
• A spirit of renewal lends strength to rise above adversity
• Humility is not weakness but is gentle strong compassion
• A quiet presence during grief brings comfort
• God takes the ashes of our lives and creates masterpieces
From “Reflections on the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The Still Small Voice 