Walk this way. I’ll lead you.
Another journey has begun.
We will be companions
As we tread a common path
Walk this way. I’ll lead you.
Staying by your side
And when the way grows rough and steep
My helping hand is there
Walk this way. I’ll lead you.
Together whatever befalls
Sharing hope or wiping tears
Laughing living praying going
Walk this way. I’ll lead you.
The Lord your banner
• Starshine inspires awe and wonder
• Imagination leads to inspiration and discovery
• Discovering what forms the whole leads to greater understanding
• Coldness and distance are a matter of perspective
• Light can seem distant when we are in a dark tunnel
• We often crave guidance and assurance of our way
• Having a reference point helps determine our position
• Argument is a heat that burns deeply
• A positive personality brightens those around them
• Gaze into the clear night sky and feel your worries recede
• The vastness of the heavens is a small taste of eternity
• Our Creator knows every star by name
• Consider what ingredients are important in life
• What is put in the mix affects the outcome
• We pour out ourselves in offering and service
• Timing must be considered
• Watch for the bubbles to rise before turning
• Patience and a steady hand are needed
• Use a little oil and keep it hot
• Remember that splatters can burn
• Following directions improves results
• Toppings can sweeten the meal
• Enjoy the plain and savor the taste
• The Recipe-Maker forms the batter
Oh, anticipation and beginnings
Of firsts and next and looking ahead
Of getting up and rise fall rise
Of prayers and plans and seeking quests
Of strength hope joy to follow a path
Of steps begun walk onward
from “OF… Songs of Life” Charlotte-Anne Allen
Oh, nature’s gift.
Of meadows and bees and song and breeze
Of mount and sky and clouds against blue
Of gurgling streams and splashes and cool
Of rustles and song and rattles and tread
Of wonder and creation
from “OF… Songs of Life” – Charlotte-Anne Allen
In word and deed Support
Give hope
Join together Unite
Motivate each other
Thoughtful words Belief
Bring confidence ‘mid doubts
Through life Inspire
Encourage
From “My Words to Live By” c-a allen
• The Vine provides nutrients for us to grow.
• We all have a purpose in life.
• To be best used, we need to be cleaned out.
• Once cleaned out, there is opportunity for nourishment and enjoyment.
• A light within reveals character.
• Ripe pumpkins announce the new season.
• Seeds are useful for nutrition and future plants.
• Combining with other ingredients can be amazing.
• Sharing these creations brings smiles.
Who are you Jesus …
with your piercing eye
and your kind touch?
Who are you Jesus …
who would call me from my tasks?
… A “fisher of men” you say I will be.
Who are you Jesus …
that my heart should race
just to hear your voice?
Who are you Jesus …
that you would accept one such as I,
… reaching out to touch my hand?
Who are you Jesus …
to welcome me into your family
and challenge me to become?
Who are you Jesus?
I love the scents and colors of herbs. In recent years, I have begun learning a bit about how to grow and gather a few of them and about some of their uses. I enjoy my little spots in the flower garden and pots on my sun porch and I help with some at my in-law’s home. “It’s a happy,” as my daughter would say as a child to describe something she liked. Not all my growing attempts are successful, but repeat attempts are sometimes more fruitful after I learn more about them. Some creature (perhaps a rabbit?) thoroughly enjoyed my in-law’s basil this year, which had to be replanted two times! Then too, I find that some plants are just not suited for the areas available, so other plants are found that will flourish there. Herbs, used from ancient times to improve health, to treat illness and injury and to cook with, have much to offer. Like insects, we are drawn to them because they can provide comfort, healing, and enjoyment of growing things.
As I was considering this, I thought of how God wants us to draw near to Him. He loves for us to come to Him and to thank Him when we are enjoying the scents and colors of life. When we draw close to Him we are recognizing who He is. God can show us where we will flourish when we are receptive to His offered gifts and guidance. He is the source of comfort and healing. Have you ever been to the point where you just didn’t know what to say or do, or even if you wanted to try?! While all our “growing” attempts are not successful, God helps us to thrive. I am so thankful for those around me, people who reach out or give a hug or word to help through difficult times and to join in times of celebration. Sometimes we need to be “replanted” and sometimes we need to be faithful and to learn so that we can thrive where we are. I’m so thankful that He is with me, especially on my “I’m just done” days! Draw near. Like insects drawn to herbs, we are drawn to the One who provides, who is the source of life.
But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all Your works. Psalm 73:28
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you… James 4:6a
Have you ever considered how the world would be without the movement of air?! I remember that on hot summer days when I was growing up, we kids would giggle as we spoke into a blowing fan and listened to our strange voices. When I am working with children to improve their speech, they learn about the parts that are used to form words. After we go through the basic tongue, lips, and “motor” (voice box), we try saying a sound without using air. Of course, we can’t!
Some of my favorite camping memories as a girl are of lying in our tent camper at night, listening to the wind sighing in the treetops and feeling its cool touch on my face. I still love to have a window fan blowing in my room on a summer night. My spirit settles as I breath in that fresh stream of air.
The book of Genesis says that when God formed man, He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. Isaiah referred to “God the Lord… the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out, who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it.” Life is a precious gift, and how often do we misuse it or take it for granted?! Just as no words can be produced without the element of air, so life cannot be fully expressed without God’s breath within us. When I catch myself feeling rushed when going about my busy plans and responsibilities, I remind myself to pause and breath in God’s presence. He is like a cool touch to my hurried soul and fresh strength and peace to my heart.
*Genesis 2:7, Isaiah 42:5
The Still Small Voice 