Calm and relaxing
Of black and white blends
In offering serenity
Peace it extends
Neutral but practical
It’s in middle ground
Dampening like fog
Bringing stillness, now found
A loner and introvert
Well-meaning and serious
So elegant, insightful
Yet thoughtful… mysterious
This good companion is
One close by… Quiet gray
From “On Colors”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Bold and strong
Or weak and trembling
… yet we stand
On solid rock
We will not fall, so
Watch for sand and gravel
One step we take
And then another
Daily onward in prayer and faith
Stepping forth
We’re not alone
… Guided by God’s sure hand
Charlotte-Anne Allen
“In fullness,” now what does that mean,
When busy or stressed and a way is not seen?
Of God, of time, on earth to show
He comes to us so that we can know
Filled through Christ, God’s Son
In awe and humility before Mighty One
Wholeness, abundance in what really counts
Overflowing through grace in generous amounts
Tired souls can then begin to sing
Fullness in all and everything
Completeness satisfies our yearning
Filled to capacity, overflowing… we’re learning
This is life, breathing that goodness
Living daily in His fullness
Ephesians 3:19; 1:22
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Did you have a blanket or toy you were attached to when you were a child? I remember the Raggedy Ann doll that my mother made for me. I loved that doll and the comfort it gave me! One summer I took it with me on a trip to my grandparents’ home and was quite concerned until my youngest cousin returned it after carrying it around for a while.
Whether it’s a cozy blanket, special toy, the company of others, or perhaps a special place or person… those sources of comfort stick to our memory, don’t they? Comfort is something we crave from birth, turning toward the source of nourishment and security. I think of newborn Jesus comforted by his mother, wrapped in warm cloths, cradled in her arms, and laid in the security of the manger. I imagine Joseph caring for them both and the light of God’s presence there with them. Can’t you just see that in your mind?!
Think of how Jesus was a source of comfort and healing during his time on earth. Before he was taken back up, Jesus told his disciples that God would send an Advocate or Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to them (John 14:26-27). We are not alone. Then Paul talked about the “God of all comfort”. I love how he went on to say that God “comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” Comfort is something that we share with others, whether it be through words, actions, or simple presence and support.
As you cherish your times of comfort or see a child with their comforting “blankie,” be encouraged. May you in turn reach out to others to offer your own comfort. What a better world this would be if we could be more intentional in doing that. I’m so thankful for God, who both challenges and comforts us.
Charlotte-Anne Allen
• Smell the sweet, the rank, the rich variety of each day
• Contentment is a choice to be pursued and adopted
• Life is full when surrounded by companions amid the messes
• Warmth and security emanate from care and craft
• Prepare and lay down what is needed for daily tasks
• Work together and receive instruction and assistance humbly
• Dedicated labor brings care and satisfaction
• Build strongly and wisely
• Home is shelter and a quiet place to curl up
• Caring for needs fortifies and feeds minds and bodies
• Give thanks for warm dry shelter
• We are all part of a rich stew – sheep, donkey, horse, cow, cat, dog…
• The seemingly lowest of places can give birth to the greatest of light
• See the Light that pierces through the dust and grime of life
From “Reflections from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The sun rises and we greet the day
To dread or cheer along the way
What this we think, we look, we see
Of how we’ll live and how we’ll be
As light shines now bright and clear
Or through fog and cloud, from One so dear
To warm the heart and fortify our bone
Lift our faces…We are not alone
A promise renew and peace lift up
For strength and joy to fill our cup
We thank you God for your love and care
For this new day, with us everywhere
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The crunch of autumn leaves beneath my feet reminds me of the changing seasons. Falling leaves swirl around me, carried by the soft wind, twirling in the late afternoon sun. Reds, yellows, oranges, and rusty browns all speak of the shifting seasons. They cling to the trees, that source of sustenance and growth, and then finally release to their next season of fulfillment.
I think of the leaves as a reflection of our own lives. We too grow and change, drawing from God who is our source of strength and grace, and travel through our own seasons and experiences. We are lifted and sent forth to encourage and build up others around us, offering care and a bit of wisdom from past experiences.
I gently swoosh the leaves in my path, as I watch a couple’s dog joyfully bounce through the mounds of newly released leaves. His joy brings a smile to my own face, and a hymn of rejoicing based on Psalm 100 sounds in my mind.
“Oh, be joyful in the Lord all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness.
Come before his presence with a song. Bless the Lord! Bless the Lord!”
May we be as newly sent forth leaves, rejoicing as the Light shines upon us and as the wind of God’s Spirit lifts us up. Let’s breathe deeply of His presence and step forward with Him by our side, soaking in the peace of a hard day done or lifting words of thanks and song.
Charlotte-Anne Allen
• Sometimes we need repaving and make-overs
• Life’s storms and seasons can cause much wear
• Potholes can develop during rough times
• Preparation is important for getting anywhere
• A caring hand in times of hardship helps prevent accidents
• Travel slowly in adverse conditions
• Smoothing the process allows for optimum progress
• Look for opportunities for doing good when you’re out and about
• We have a common need to move forward
• Take much thought when considering your route
• Don’t be afraid to explore
• Side roads and country routes can lead to less stressful opportunities
• Rushing about leaves little room for introspection or service
• God travels with us over many types of terrain
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Think now deeply
Weighing in your mind
Not speaking in a rush
Or acting before you find
Ponder things anew
And again, if need should be
For ears that will listen
And eyes that really see
Quiet considerations
Be still and take your time
Through prayer and meditation
Upon the mountains that you climb
And may those reflections brighten
Like a peaceful path on a clear sunny day
Lord, help us to live joyously
Wisely following you in every way
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Warm and smooth
Speaks of earth and life
Dig in your toes
Shed stress and strife
Comforting soothing
Hot tea, blanket, or sock
Solid support to lean on
A tree, strong arm, and a rock
And not to forget that sweet
Melt in your mouth taste
Curl up now and rest
Set aside need for haste
Not dull or plain, but rich
And fulfilling… chocolatey brown
From “On Colors”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The Still Small Voice 