healing

January 13, 2023

Reflections on Webs


• See the beauty woven into the fabric of life
• Hope is like drops of dew amidst fragile strands shining in the light
• Outward fragility can belie strength and purpose
• When sticky situations rear up, hold on to what is good and kind
• Dishonesty builds tangled webs of deceit
• Nurture that which builds lasting relationships and overcomes storms
• Attend to tremors and shakings signaling significant arrivals
• If caught unaware, we run headlong into that which can trap us
• Know there is still purpose when we are dusty and spent
• Recognizing our smallness builds humility and empathy
• The spider’s mountain is still a mountain
• We are nourished as we are being formed
• Be one who draws others to receive healing
• When ragged and torn, turn to God who makes us new

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

August 27, 2022

Like Honey

Honey. I love honey, especially in a cup of hot tea or maybe spread on some toast or a biscuit.

Growing up in a small town, our neighbors behind us kept some beehives and the busy bees were regular visitors to our apple trees. We were also thankful recipients of some of the harvested honey and honeycomb. I still have fond memories of that honey!

A fun fact I’ve heard is that honey is the only natural food source that has all the nutrients that we need. Natural raw honey is rich in antioxidants. It’s also helpful in healing wounds and is a positive alternative to processed sugar. Isn’t that amazing?! The fact that it is good for us really makes one of my favorite verses even more meaningful.

Kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
Proverbs 16:24

Like honey, words spoken in kindness are healthy and healing for both soul and body. When our spirits are low, an encouraging word can be powerful. We remember soft and comforting words offered during times of stress, don’t we? Even if I can’t remember the exact words later, I do remember that they were spoken and how much they meant at the time. Thoughtful words spoken during times of celebration or after hard work and accomplishments are important too.

“Kind words are like honey.” What we choose to do with our words has an impact every day. Do you ever think of the effect of your words, both words spoken, and words left unspoken? I was thinking about the fact that words we don’t say can have as much effect as words we do say. What if we don’t encourage or express our love and caring to someone who needs it? How will that affect their lives and what blessing do we also miss? Then too, what if we hold our tongue and don’t speak that hasty or critical remark? Aren’t we all more prone to snapping at others during times of anxiety or exhaustion? Stepping aside, avoiding words, or being especially mindful of what I say helps… Those are good times for some kind words from others!

Just as a smile is contagious, so are positive and kind words. “…Sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” Maybe we can help each other out with that, and in so doing better reflect God who loves us.

July 22, 2022

Bring forth!

As a fire in the bones
Crashing waves of the ocean
Roaring wind announcing coming storm

Or bubbles soaring shimmering rising sinking
Rainbow colors that shine their joy
Leaving smiles in their wake

So then do we
Release bring forth
Words poured upon our souls

As wind and wave
With great passion and strength
To uplift encourage challenge share hope

Or as softly soaring spheres
Swinging low and rising up again
Inspiring contemplation communion healing

Guided by our Creator’s touch

May 28, 2022

Reflections on Walking Canes

• Consider wisely what you lean on
• A strong base lends support for the work at hand
• There are times to step back to relieve pressure
• Relieving pressure allows room for healing and rest
• It’s good to have something handy to whack with when needed
• Whack away those doubts and fears
• Making good choices requires forethought and regular practice
• When temptation comes, keep a firm grasp on positive values
• Choose the right material to build character and integrity
• It is good to unload our worries to a listening ear
• Whether climbing peaks or walking across the room, a supportive friend is welcome
• Taking the weight off our shoulders brings great relief
• Shepherds both guide and protect with their staff
• God our Shepherd walks with us and shines through our weakness

Charlotte-Anne Allen

Psalm 23:4 – Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

April 2, 2022

“As… so” Proverbs for Springtime

  • As the soil is tilled, so are we made ready to receive
  • As seeds are planted, so are our thoughts guided
  • As creatures emerge from winter shelters, so we step out to discover and grow
  • As flowers rise from the earth, so life is reborn
  • As the sun warms and draws new life, so kind words bring healing and hope
  • As spring rains soak in and nourish, so the sharing of knowledge and wisdom betters our lives
  • As wind tears and roars, so ill-spoken words tear and hurt
  • As weeds are cleared to make room for desired plants, so removal of harmful relationships or habits encourages healthier lives
  • As bushes are pruned and stronger growth results, so we gain wisdom and strength through trials and experience
  • As flowers brighten and green buds burst forth, so music and laughter express joy and peace

– from “As… so Proverbs”
Charlotte-Anne Allen

March 19, 2021

Freshen

A puff of wind upon my skin
And sun’s rays transform the day

Memories of morning’s dreary sky fade
As time’s settled dust is chased and lifted

Freshen, freshen
Earth’s voices call

Splash of water, clean and pure
Songs and rhythms now renew!

Darting fish in coolest depths
Shading trees unfurl green buds

Freshen, freshen
Healing nourishing

Dusty feet and weary minds
Shed discontent… stretch and rouse

Quickening hearts claim moment’s peace
Restore, revive … and freshen

March 5, 2021

Reflections on Lotion

• Calmness brings soothing respite
• Words washing like gentle rains will soften the earth
• The right ingredients from a pure heart bring healing
• Soft words soothe but harsh words destroy
• Smooth speech in a vengeful heart covers a drawn sword
• A wholesome balance is restored with purposeful application
• Joy lights the eyes and shines from soft faces
• Doing what comes naturally is not always a positive thing
• Healthy habits are both internal and external
• For good or ill, we absorb whatever we cover ourselves with
• Worries can be sticky and cause severe irritation
• We are protected from dryness when we stay close to the Source

from “Reflections from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen 03/05/2021

March 6, 2020

Reflections on Mountains

great-smokey-mountains-Mark Schaefer_Pixabay

• Companionship helps us through the darkest valley
• Life is made up of rolling hills and craggy peaks
• Sometimes the way is sharp and clear
• Other times the path is dim and misty
• Rising peaks can lift the spirits
• Between the mountains there is shelter
• The folds of compassion are places of healing
• Quiet coves bring refreshment and peace
• Obstacles arise under pressure and stress
• Daunting tasks can be accomplished one step at a time
• Getting away from the chaos can bring clarity
• Our Creator’s majesty is reflected in His grand creations

November 17, 2019

STILL

beach quiet waves-by addesia_Pixabay

“Hold still a minute, please!”

How often have we said or heard that phrase?! Whether to a wiggly child getting assistance with a coat before rushing out to play or putting finishing touches on any procedure, “holding still” is sometimes a challenge. This can be especially difficult if pain or discomfort is anticipated, such as getting a splinter out. We will ourselves, with gritted teeth and wavering resolve, not to pull back!

Our “go” and “do” society often encourages or rewards us for all those good or expected items. How do we choose when we have so many options? Group or individual activities, self-improvement, school activities and sports, community volunteers, arts and music, support groups, church and family… The possibilities are many!  Of course, there are seasons of life when things are full. Making a living and raising children, study or training for an occupation, and caring for loved ones are all important. There is satisfaction in work and events accomplished. These are positive things, right?

Besides, when we stay busy then we don’t have to think about things …things like life and faith. Who has time or energy to think?! The passing of time, especially things that make us uncomfortable or unhappy can be easily shoved aside. Even positive things can slip away before we know it. We somehow don’t get around to seeing that neighbor, friend, or family member. Things are set on autopilot, keeping up with our “to do’s.”

The problem for me with packed days of “go and do” is that I often find myself restless or stressed. By not allowing myself to pause, worry can become a norm. It’s difficult to fully relax and enjoy life. Taking time for those precious moments of stillness will renew and refresh us.

The writer of the book of Psalms knew this great gift and need for stillness, having struggled with it himself. God reminded him to “be still and know that I am God…” * The psalmist paints a picture of life as a surging sea; sometimes the waves mount up, but God quiets them with a word. *  This is echoed in Jesus’ words in the book of Mark, “Quiet. Be still” he rebuked the winds and waves. * Good reminders for us today!

My prayer for us, is that we will be intentional about our moments of stillness, however brief, and that we will treasure them. I pray for pauses to give thanks and to recognize God who brings healing and strength, and that you may heed His caring words, “Quiet. Be still.”

* Psalm 46:10a; Psalm 89:9; Psalm 107:29; Mark 4:39