life

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

December 31, 2022

Drops

Shining, glistening
At dawns light touch

Life to drink
And hope inspire

Living water drawn
From God’s deep well

Drops to wash away life’s care
To touch those now upon one’s face

Cleansed washed renewed
As rainbow’s promise

Another day and year’s passing
New beginnings made possible

Through precious drops
Of Christ who gave his all

Shining, glistening still
At star’s bright light

Charlotte-Anne Allen 12/31/2022

December 11, 2022

Reflections on Bells

• Joy and peace sound out from the heart
• Words and actions will peal far and wide
• A soft voice, like a carillon, sooths, calms, and brings enjoyment
• A welcome call for meals announces care and fellowship
• What we choose to consume in life brings nourishment or illness
• Unexpected announcements bring excitement or dread
• Be vigilant and heed warning signals when they come
• The tolling of bells draws attention to our own mortality
• Guard your senses and cling to faith to drive away harmful impulses
• Welcome joyful messengers both great and small
• Simple hands and strong cords are each of great value
• Victory celebrations and shouts of triumph lift spirits
• God’s calm strength rings out to all nations
• The ringing bell herds us back to the Shepherd

from “Reflections from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen

October 9, 2022

Citrus Orange

Orange speaks of happiness
Relaxed and friendly, enjoying life

Joining neighbors red and yellow
Warm and comfortable, overcoming strife

It speaks of endurance and of strength
A glowing light in evenings sky

Fragrance wafting, juicy sweet
Tangy goodness sends the spirit high

Persevering ever forward
Creative bright and shining out

From One who knows our fears and joys
May our lives serve to brighten about

Lifting encouraging one another
Shining like that splash of orange

From “On Colors”
Charlotte-Anne Allen

September 17, 2022

Reflections on Rice

• It takes a seed to form ideas to have a vision for great things
• We often underestimate the impact of one life upon another
• The effect of one person will have lasting results
• Fear and uncertainty can blind us or hold us back from taking positive steps
• Sometimes we need to remove things which prevent us from growing and becoming
• Cultivate good qualities and use them to benefit others
• A single skill or interest has endless possibilities for expression
• We absorb attitudes, assumptions, ideas, expectations, and philosophies from everything around us
• It is prudent to keep a clear head and take time for contemplation before making decisions and following a chosen course
• Let experience bring calmer responses and clearer insight
• Offering encouragement and value to others is like water to sustain a body
• Food for the soul comes from God, the great provider and source of life

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

September 10, 2022

What Prudence!

With what prudence, you now say,
Do we live our lives from day to day?!

Give thought give thought
Give thought to your ways
Using good judgment is common sense

…Listen, listen to sound instruction
Gaining wisdom and discernment

From the heart actions will arise
As prudence speaks, do right and justly

Consider knowledge and instruct with care
Refrain from haste before lips fly

And when we fall, for we all do,
We in our prudence welcome God

– From “My Words to Live By”
Charlotte-Anne Allen

September 3, 2022

Green the Grass

Green speaks of living things
Renewing, filling… growing from

Vibrant color cool with dew
Verdant pastures beckon, “come”

Of health and wealth some would seek
But beware the green of envy now!

And when the stomach heaves and surges
A greenish face will take a bow

But do not fret upon your way
In life comes hope with thoughtful shifting

From deserts spring the green of life
Shining glistening, shoots uplifting

Breathe slowly deeply and feel things ease
Surrounded by some calming green

from “Of Colors” – Charlotte-Anne Allen

August 20, 2022

Spam!

“What’s this?” we say
“And that, and that?!
“You’ve won!” says the message
(… a chance to buy this).

New gutters anyone?
Perhaps pay off your loan.
Check out this health package
Now buy these cool clothes!

Come one, come all
Let’s fill up your email
The more the merrier!
5 – 10 – 30 at one wack

No, it’s not spiced ham
But a flood at the gate
Watch for misspellings
And wish them good-bye

No party at this address
Like uninvited mosquitoes
We’ll filter and block
And wish them away

Email, text, phone, or posts
Ahh, that’s done! Good to go.
No more, no more
… Wait. What’s that?

August 13, 2022

Reflections on Feet

• 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

July 30, 2022

Thoughts of Summer

Barefoot days
Shorts and T’s
Cool clear water
Garden fresh veggies

Warmth for body
Sun’s rays heating
Fans blowing, shade cooling
Welcome breezes stirring

Birds calling, dogs barking
Yard mowing, weed pulling
Storms rolling, rain falling
Golden sun rays, moist woods

Early morning and evening’s chill
Dew’s sparkle and quiet hush
Life and faith one day at a time
Summer’s rhythm speaks of contentment