life

February 10, 2024

Reflections on Dust


• Notice the everyday fine things of life all around us
• Our surroundings affect us in many ways
• Small experiences can add up to big challenges
• Life’s happenings carry our thoughts and feelings
• Be in prayer when encountering caustic influences
• Negative self-focused inactivity can breed discontent
• Regular cleaning of harmful particles is helpful
• As wind blows, intention moves us forward to clear the air
• Disuse and disinterest may result in loss of skills and potential
• Be aware of how accumulated hurts and trauma affect relationships
• Positive pauses and stillness can bring relief and rest
• Wisdom grows from built up experience
• Allow wisdom to lift, heal, and encourage others
• God cleans the accumulated “dust” from our souls

From “Reflections from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen

January 13, 2024

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

January 6, 2024

Quiet Gray


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

December 23, 2023

In Fullness


“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

December 17, 2023

Blankies and Comfort


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

December 10, 2023

Reflections on Stables


• 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

November 18, 2023

Morning


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

November 11, 2023

Leaves


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