growth

September 5, 2026

Reflections on Light

• Light is warmth and comfort
• Who we truly are is revealed in our words, thoughts, and actions
• Devote good works for each day, through sun’s rising and setting
• Summer’s warmth and sunshine lend energy
• It is very satisfying to rest after our labor
• Shadows cast can both cool and warn us
• There are times for movement and times for quiet stillness
• We are rejuvenated by positive faith, support, and encouragement
• Our eyes are drawn to points of light…
as to moon, sun, and stars of night
• Darkness flees in the presence of hope and security
• Positive growth and life emerge from the light of God
• We are like colors in the grand spectrum of God’s holy light

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

August 9, 2026

Seeds


From this… life springs
Marvelous wonders
Unimposing treasures
Waiting for time of planting
Sown upon fertile soil
Drawing nourishment
Water, air, good soil, light
Breaking forth in newness
Digging roots downwards
Reaching ever upwards
Forming, growing, bearing
In turn enriching others
Nourishing and life bringing
… We seeds of God’s making

Charlotte-Anne Allen

July 26, 2026

Reflections on Moss

  • We absorb much from our surroundings
  • Our actions and reactions affect others in our lives
  • What comes out can build or tear down
  • A soft touch can heal wounds
  • Firm resolve with discernment will drive outcomes
  • Reaching out to others can be difficult
  • It is possible to thrive through challenging situations
  • Diversity opens the doors of creativity and innovation
  • Being in the limelight brings greater responsibility
  • Keep your cool so that you don’t leave behind ashes
  • Quiet growth comes in nurturing environments
  • We can make things too complicated
  • Recognize the treasure of simplicity
  • We draw nourishment from where we are planted
  • Be a sponge to support good things
  • Draw upon God each day and night

Charlotte-Anne Allen

May 10, 2026

Reflections on Holes


• Holes can be both helpful and hurtful
• Be mindful of what surrounds the holes in life
• Rich earth yields healthy harvest
• Being accepted and cared for helps fill us
• Emptiness grows with suffering or lack of hope
• Sometimes we feel torn open and lost
• As time goes by, worn out clothing reveals use and life
• Repairs may come slowly and in part
• As a key turns in a keyhole so positive actions can bring much good
• A nurturing home is a refuge and a sheltering burrow
• Small accomplishments are encouraging and fulfilling
• Take notes of the diligent woodpecker seeking food and shelter
• The planting of new things and ideas first requires digging
• A small seed planted yields much through struggles and trials
• When digging and growing, contemplation and prayer are of great importance
• God fills our holes with goodness, purpose, and compassion

Charlotte-Anne Allen

October 4, 2025

Fruitful Harvest


Possibilities and hopes
Looking forward
For what may be
Though yet unknown

Time to grow
With soil and sun
Roots now seeking
Nourishment and place

Stretching can be so disquieting
Challenges to thought
Fragile buds bathed
… in grace

God’s light shine
Upon our face
Sweet rich soil
We embrace

To till and tend
To weed and water
For fruitful harvest
By His hands

Charlotte-Anne Allen

June 15, 2025

Reflections on Wood


• From our first sprouting to our final gathering there is much change
• As maturity comes, so develops strength and shape
• The smoothing and rubbing of life’s challenges brings out our character
• We all have the potential for many forms and purposes
• Like mighty trees, so protect and provide cover for the fragile and needy
• Those who nurture others are recognized for compassion
• Building and creating brings satisfaction for work well done
• Inward beauty shines forth with love and care
• Spreading warmth brings comfort and contentment
• Storms often bring loss and uproot or unsettle us
• Hope sprouts slowly sometimes, so tend with care
• Planting, watering, tending, shaping, serving… is purpose
• Draw from the land and bear good fruit with seeds
• God nourishes and makes things grow

Charlotte-Anne Allen