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
Shining bright
Love deep and strong
Life o’erflowing
With passion and courage
Reflection of most noble character
Wisdom more precious
… Incomparable worth
Beacon to all
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Proverbs 8:11 “For wisdom is more precious than rubies,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.”
That spark, that sparkle
From within it grows
Lights up our eyes
So that everyone knows
Whether soft and glowing
Or vibrant and open
It brings comfort to others
And assurance for hoping
May we share that bright sparkle
In all that we do
From love it is born
God’s Spirit shines through
Charlotte-Anne Allen
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
Cool as light from a sparkling moon
Stretching out to silent earth
Gleaming softly smooth to touch
Shiny brightly attracting the eyes
A treasure keeper carefully shaped
Drawn from within… and precious
Awaiting master’s touch
… tested and refined
Servant heart freely given
Purely silver
– From “Of the Earth”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
There was a hush as time stood still
With indrawn breath
A pause, a flicker… a moment of clarity
Photos taken in darkest of days and
Moments of sweetest remembrance
… Rarest seconds of quiet
Sigh of rest at day’s end
Death’s final march and
Awe-filled eyes before baby’s first cry
Contemplate life and its grand stories
Cherish and preserve its promise
Look to sunrise and set, day night day
Joy in beloved voices around you
Of love and trials and overcoming
Of a great God ever present
There was a hush
As time stood still
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Splashing water on a hot day
Splash of bright color to cheer
Splashing your face to refresh and clean
A splash a dash of spice to savor
Splashing encouraging words to hear
A splash a flash smiling face to cheer
We all need a splash to give and receive
A day with a splash is one we all favor!
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Whirly whirly, giddy giddy
Spinning ‘round til you are dizzy
Childhood joys for young and old
Loving life’s sunshine is pure gold
When feeling gloomy or out-of-place
Lift your head for a smiling face
Ripples of encouragement to all
Joyful light… we welcome its call
Charlotte-Anne Allen
“Come here” we call to the bouncing puppy so full of life, reaching out our sheltering arms and welcoming their companionship.
“Come” is used in so many ways but it always points to recognition! After all, there has to be someone the words are directed to. It speaks to us. “You are here. I see you.”
We share the excitement of discovery or offer support and comfort. When we hear, “Wow, come look at this,” we gather around as our curiosity and interest is piqued. The caring, “come here” of family or friend as they reach with open arms, a hug, or an offer of help is welcome, too.
Jesus’s words encourage us to “come.” “Let the little children come to me,” he said to his disciples. At another time, his compassionate words called all “who are weary and burdened” to come to him (Matthew 19:14 and 11:28). He cares about us when we are struggling and brings us the example of coming as a seeking and trusting child. Sometimes the “come here” can be hard to follow and, like a small child exerting that will for independence, we turn away.
Often for me, that voice is a welcome reminder to run to God’s sheltering arms. When my anxiety swells and overwhelms, God’s voice whispers in my ear, “Come to me. I’m here.” It’s in His presence that I begin to learn the nature of love, obedience, security, and protection in daily life. God’s place of acceptance offers shelter and comfort.
Whether we come as a trusting child or a bounding puppy. Whether we come dragging our feet or unable to rise on our own… stressed, tired, or content, may God draw us ever closer to Him. He sees you, recognizes you, and cherishes you. “Ah, come here.”
Be encouraged.
Charlotte-Anne Allen
If time could speak
What wonders would it tell?
Of love and riches deep and true
Or weary roads and much to do
Wisdom’s path, hard-won but strong
Short hard days and nights so long
Facing great storms’ fierce gale
Then in gentle breeze rest well
Of steps taken, eyes ever gazing,
Ears attuned, and hearts amazing
Seconds and minutes, now hours proceed
Seek wants and labors, provision for need
Life’s highs and valleys low…
Faith hope and mercy know
If time could speak…
And does it not?
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The Still Small Voice 