Softly spoken
Words in care
Music drifting
In the air
Beaming face
And tender touch
Reaching out
Is not too much
Spread some joy
In this new year
Share some laughter
And good cheer
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Share Some Laughter
laughter
Prayer for Stillness
Oh God, sometimes it’s hard to “still”
To seek, to listen… trusting Your will
Guide me in Your steps today
Ever in Your presence stay
Set my feet firmly on the rock
Not slipping sliding… “on my clock”
All anxious thoughts, please set aside
Draw me, calm me… in You abide
When I feel the sun and smell the rain
Hear joyful laughter and smile again
I’m thankful God
… in Your stillness
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Finding Joy in a New Year
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
Memories on a Swing
Rushing forward,
Swooping back
Pushing pumping
Up and down
Sounds of laughter
Echoing rising
Lifting pausing
Catch your breath
Back-and-forth
Now gently sway
Calming floating
Happy smiles
Peaceful pastime
Simple joys
– – – – – – – – – Charlotte-Anne Allen
Moments
Oh, that time would stand still!
In those moments of bright clarity
Treasured in our hearts and
Seared in our memories
Of those we hold dear
For life and love and family
Friends and church gathered ‘round
God’s holy ground, simple and true
We open eyes to brilliant color
Ears to laughter and tears
A gentle touch and helping hands
Life’s essence … caught in a fleeting moment.
Charlotte-Anne Allen 2/25/2022
Reflections on Fizz
- When surrounded by adversity, rising above it can be daunting
- Encouragement pops chains and pushes back words of ridicule
- We join with others so that our voices may be heard
- Joyful laughter bubbles forth with good company
- Our reactions to others are our own choices
- How we respond makes room for light or drives all into darkest gloom
- We seek many things to quench our thirst
- What we gain may fall flat and leave us without satisfaction
- Thirst for what is lifegiving
- We bob about in confusion when we lack purpose
- A bubbly personality brings smiles and lightens the day
- We are filled and completed by God’s Spirit
Sacrifice
Giving selflessly is not always convenient.
When done in love, this is no loss!
Offered in laughter, pain, or sweat,
The greatest sacrifice is self.
Look then at our world around us,
At those who give in sacrifice,
Parent’s heart or family’s bond
Friendships dear or stranger’s face.
Giving brings the greatest gains,
Healing, helping, lifting spirits.
True sacrifice… It takes more effort
And it comes from deep within.
Love’s celebration. Glad thanksgiving
Greatest sacrifice … Savior’s touch
Reflections on Slippers
• Each day needs slipper moments
• Rise to a new day with anticipation of good
• A warm smile and kind touch bring comfort
• Soft words encourage healing and rest
• Protecting others is a most noble call and occupation
• Reach out to others like a warm home on a cold day
• Slip on true friendship and slide off falsehood
• Put on that which will enrich life
• Embrace laughter and silly slippers for a joyful heart
• A peaceful evening of rest is a great blessing
• Knowing we are useful brings contentment
• The Comforter is always with us
HAPPINESS IS…
Family gathered
Friends Companions
New life born
Gentle touch
Food satisfying
Cool water
Home and shelter
Warm secure
Place of safety
Times of peace
Learning or teaching
Good books to read
Health and rest
Nature Gardens
Music Song
Laughter and Smiles
Blassst!
The wind it blows where e’er it will
And water flows how e’er may be
People move from here to there
Now how’d the geese know when to fly
Fog and mist rise to the sky
Or settle down to take a rest
Then comes a blast a howling screech
Now grab your hat or turn and flee
Hot words scorch frigid reactions steal
Friendship and compassion lie in dust
Now caught unaware, oh what was that
Grab for a tree or find a warm spring
Howl with the dogs to drown the screech
Throw down the salt to melt the ice
The wind it blows where e’er it will
And water flows how e’er may be
As sirens pass motors roar by
We settle and rest …and laughter returns
The Still Small Voice 