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
Hello, I see you
Standing there
Unsure and shy
Face full of care
Peeking from
A lowered head
Ready to run if
Unkind words are said
I pause and smile
Speak with gentle voice
Offer kindness and love
It is a good choice
A timid step forward
To a welcome… receive
Now quiet touch
Acceptance believe
Charlotte-Anne Allen
“I need a break. Come on. Let’s take a walk!”
Growing up in a small town, it was very common to see our neighbors strolling down the sidewalks in front of our house. As we greeted each other they would occasionally stop to chat for a few minutes. It was a place and time of closer communities and greater security. We kids were always racing up and down, our shoes pounding the ground as we played and talked with friends in nearby yards.
Walking. Wearing shoes… Even with our occasional disagreements or upsets, we valued those friendships. That makes me think of another kind of “walk” and “shoes.”
What do we do when we see real or perceived differences in others, whether big or small, that we disagree with? I know that, for myself, these are especially important times for me to step back and try to see and understand things from their perspective. We have probably heard or said, “Put yourself into their shoes” or “You haven’t walked in their shoes.” For some things it’s just a simple and easy adjustment or a matter of miscommunication. Other things may be big challenges.
A neat word for being aware of and responding to something or someone is “sensibility.” It makes me think of “the ability to sense things” about situations or others. Considering things from the perspectives of others is key to empathy and compassion… or just plain dealing with the stressors of life. It reminds me of Jesus’ words to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:28-34)
So, let’s take a walk, in community, and nurture our sensibility. My prayer for us all is that we continue to grow in wisdom and understanding. May we learn to love better and to see others through God’s eyes, uplifting each other in prayer and grace.
Charlotte-Anne Allen
With “stone of help”
Give thanks to God
May we remember
His care and strong rod
Proclaim to all who see
That they may know
He brings us through
Where we are, where we go
These memorial stones
Raised in awe and love
Speak of God’s power
His gifts from above
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Flashing forth boldly
Not one to ignore
Bursting with energy
Life and death, love and war
Prosperity and fortune
For some weddings a fashion
To welcome and protect
Living life with great passion
Fire, danger, and fury
Sun’s glow in the morning
When anger arises
Heed now its warning
With life it flows…
Full, open, and free – is red
From “On Colors”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Of summer tastes
We can delight
In crispy apples
Or juicy melons
A teaspoon of honey
In season or out
Refreshes one’s spirit
In so many ways
Flavorful berries
Freshly picked
Oh, how wonderful
To eat by the gallons
Sweeter than these
Are kind words spoken
To encourage and brighten
Through nights and days
Charlotte-Anne Allen
To go beyond
And give your all
Without complaint
A challenging call
To show up lift up
In rain or shine
To set aside self
And what we call “mine”
Extra extra
Is what it’s all about
Beyond the ordinary
That’s without a doubt
Though life may weigh down
Then persist and be true
Gain strength from above
To be faithful to do
Extra extra
Let His light shine
• Soft and light touches lift our spirits
• A child’s love is downy soft
• What you choose to be, to do, to think is a daily diet
• Your daily diet displays as a rainbow of colors for all to see.
• Exercise your spiritual muscles to warm others and withstand enemies
• There are times when we all just want to fly away
• Shedding the old opens room for the new
• Holding things together is often a challenge
• Changing our wayward directions is like refracted light upon shiny feathers
• A strong center stands against much bending and whipping in storms
• We cover and insulate ourselves from outside pressures
• Extend a hand to lighten each other’s load
• We are covered by our Maker’s wings
From “Reflections from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Kind and peaceful
Offering a hand
Soothing and calming
Bringing good to the land
Sensitive to others
Forgiving and strong
Letting go of anger
When others have done wrong
Soft and cozy
Speaks of things sweet
Strawberry ice cream
Smooth cool treat
Bringing happiness and positivity
Optimistic and showing love … is sweet pink.
From “On Colors”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
God who has made us gave us life
Son created in love, surrendered in strife
Believing in Him; open heart to see
He gives us faith; shows the way to be
Entrusted with a special task
He welcomes any questions we ask
What is our purpose, our way, the plan?
Love God. Love others… I know you can!
When one turns to earthly greed
To selfish thought and hurtful deed
The mark is missed; we’ve gone astray
All’s dark as night, no light of day
To serve Him with all our might
With heart and soul, now that is right!
So hard some days, when we are down
Now feel God’s arms as they surround
Holding us with a love so true
Go as salt and light in all you do
Precious, valued, He waits for us
Our reason to be… For all have purpose!
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The Still Small Voice 