love

April 20, 2025

Step, Step


Crunch of feet upon the path
Step, step along the way

One came teaching of God’s great love
Touching, healing, seeing our hearts

Who are you and why this trek?
Travelers with you, by night and day

Crunch, step, crunch, step
Ever closer to Jerusalem’s mount

Needy arms reaching, faces turning
Who do they see and what do we say?

Shout hosanna… then turn and run
King of heaven enters… to give up the Son

Step, step and one final sup
To pray in the garden and offer the cup

Broken body, abandoned alone
Then filled with new light for us at home

Come alongside Him, this Jesus alive…
Who’s lifting us up when we stumble and fall

Step, crunch, step ever closer to that holy mount
… Walking with Him upon the upward path

Charlotte-Anne Allen

January 26, 2025

Tag


A childhood game of joy and fun
Reaching out to touch someone

…Can call to mind on any day
Of what we do and what we say

Are we choosing to extend a smile
To be courteous and go that “extra mile”?

…Social media says, “Look at me”
Consider now just what we see

Whether in passing or sharing deep
This world around us, may God keep

Value each other, recognized, known
Let’s tag someone… We’re not alone

Charlotte-Anne Allen

January 5, 2025

Reflect


As light upon a quiet lake
Sun’s beam glinting, reaching… cast

So, look into life’s mirror
Images, moments… of time past

Lift your head and see the light
Now contemplate… of what will last

As bobbing crafts in calm waters or
Storms’ choppy waves… see an ever-pointing mast

Our great God is ever with us
Reflect, look once again… at love so vast

Charlotte-Anne Allen

December 14, 2024

“As…So” for Christmas


As a star lead the way… so God leads us still

As a donkey faithfully carried the load… so God takes our own burdens

As the stable was a welcome shelter… so we are thankful for our homes

As angels rejoiced and delivered good news… so we share that good news with others

As shepherds cared for their flock… so God cares for his children

As the baby was dependent on others… so humankind needs God

As the mother loved the child… so God loves us

As wise men brought gifts… so God sent his own son as a gift to all

As Christmas trees remind us of life and joy… so be filled

As wreaths speak of unity and eternity… so share goodwill and compassion

As candles light the way… so Christ lights our hearts and way

As bells celebrate Christ’s birth… so celebrate new beginnings

As carols tell the wondrous story… so may our hearts be filled with wonder and hope

As Christmastide leads us to Jesus… so may our lives follow Him

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

December 7, 2024

Bells Ringing


Bells ringing, bells ringing
Joyful voice of celebration

Christmastide leads to the Christ child
One born in a manger to shine for all

Hear the bells this hopeful season
Join your voice in thankful praise

Far from earthly power or fame
True wealth comes from love’s compassion

Heed you now the bright bells sounding
Hearts drawn to star’s wondrous path

Charlotte-Anne Allen

September 14, 2024

Distractions, Distractions


Hey, look at this!
Could you…?
“Crash!”
What was that?
I just found out…
Did you know…?”

Distractions are all around us, pulling us away from our current tasks or thoughts, demanding our attention, diverting us from our plans! Whether building frustration or simply giving up on any thought of completion, there is often an accompanying level of irritation or resignation. Our own thoughts distract us, as we turn to more pleasant or troublesome things. Anticipated plans or activities can fall by the wayside.

What are we to do? How can we ever get anything done? … And if we do finally get our chosen or needed tasks completed, what is our final state-of-mind? We rush to get through our responsibilities so we can get on to better things and are left feeling drained and dissatisfied.

Distractions, distractions! But are they really? I have been challenged to look at those perceived distractions in a new light. As we take a breath and pray for wisdom… and a quiet heart that trusts in God’s timing, our whole perspective shifts.

In our daily experiences we begin to see these distractions as opportunities to serve others. What a great difference we make when our frustration and impatience turn more toward caring attention and love… and when we give ourselves grace and extend that grace to others when we struggle. Paul encourages us too with his words to the Romans, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” *

May our days be filled with opportunities, our eyes be opened to them, and our hearts be encouraged.

*Romans 12:10
Charlotte-Anne Allen