life

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

July 9, 2022

Washed Out

Warning touch and growing rumble
Feel it building coming coming

Welcome respite or call for shelter?
Jarring one from settled niche

These drops intruders in our day
… A sigh a chuckle as we retreat?

What do they say of grief or toil
As waters surge and tumble by?

Pale countenance sinking down
Or head uplifted to cool embrace?

Built up dirt and grime release
Muddy churning wash away!

Letting it go, now light and free
Cleansing. Revealing… sparkling stones

Charlotte-Anne Allen

July 2, 2022

Reflections on Pancakes

● The right combination of ingredients brings out our best
● The blending of our experiences shape who we are
● Consider the ways you can improve yourself and then follow through
● Using a fresh perspective opens our eyes and hearts
● Making needed adjustments keeps us out of the rut and enriches life
● Memories are thoughts that bubble up and burst upon us, often at unexpected times
● Be true to your faith and commitment wherever you are
● A calm and even temperament is much to be desired
● Adding some sweetness brings smiles and shares happiness
● Begin all things with a solid base as you look ahead
● Establish positive routines for development and accomplishment
● When we’re feeling the heat, God’s Spirit helps us to rise

Charlotte-Anne Allen

June 25, 2022

Steps

Upon this earth we leave our mark
Our steps upon its mantle

What do they say about us though?
What stories do they share?

They speak of joy in simple pleasures
Like playful children we jump and twirl

Gentle tiptoes expressing love
Angry stomping voicing pain

Striding forward on our own
Or strolling companionably arm-in-arm

A footprint left now clear and firm
Speaks of wisdom skill or knowledge

Those scuff marks left as we drag our feet
Signs of struggles or despair

As determined toddlers do we rise again
…learning growing trying the new?

What do we see as we view our ways?
Steps and steps upon the trail

Charlotte-Anne Allen

June 17, 2022

“As…so” Proverbs for Summertime

• As cool weather moves to summer heat, so does time flow ever forward

• As gatherings bring reunion, so friendship brings renewal

• As outdoor activities and fair weather draw us, so encouragement and enjoyment bring us together and build positive relationships

• As lightning flashes and thunder roars, so is one who seeks attention or hides pain

• As vacations and travel bring welcome breaks, so shared experiences and time bring greater understanding and perspective

• As fields are harvested, so completed work satisfies and brings provision

• As yards are mowed and gardens tended, so treat your own bodies with care

• As the smells of summer cooking waft through the air, so does the telling of stories and revisiting of sights renew and build memories

• As the sun’s light and heat engulf us, so may God’s Word fill us

• As water cools and refreshes, so does a positive spirit bring calm and hope

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

May 21, 2022

Temptation

When in the boat and on the way
Do storm clouds strive to lure us away?

Or climbing trails as we then go
Enticing side paths beckon so?

Perhaps in strolling through the mall
Let’s grab the grand and ditch the small?

When at my place reclining at last
Has a chance to serve come… and passed?

Eyes travel to what’s not mine
Make excuses that it’s just fine?

To follow desire when the time’s all wrong
Will there be regrets before too long?

Ears listening to words of spite or strife
What does that do to encourage life?

Fling the door open to invite
Help from God to shine the Light

Temptation scatters as He brings the best
Strength to overcome and then to rest.

Hebrews 4:14-16

May 14, 2022

Unfurl

Tiny frond
Essence of spring …Safe
In its underground seclusion
Stirs within warming abode

Tight coil
Slowly stretching… Pushing
Through covering protective layers
Awakened from winters slumber

Fiddleheads
In feathery company… Emerging
Adding beauty to moist shade
Tucked among woodland passes

And so do we also
Stretch and reach to warming light
Gather strength and determination
Draw nourishment… Unfurl