• What we put into something makes an impact on results • The things that last are made with care • Consider what is of greatest value and need in the long run • Pressures and struggles are relieved through helping hands • Store up things that build and edify • There are times to prepare and times to do • Be caring hands for others • Hold on to what is right, and just, and pure • Preserve the positive and dispose of harmful • Put a lid on harmful ugly words • Cracks in character lead to certain breakage • To avoid confusion, be clear in all communication • Moments of joy are treasures to hold • God is always open for those who come to Him
• Life’s achievements are like flower clusters growing from tough situations • Thrive where you are planted, where you find yourself • A worthy goal is to grow and produce good seed • Nourish a noble and good heart to make positive results • Keeping a low profile can help avoid pain and conflict • Lean on one another, persevere, be tough when needed • Stars shine out best when surrounded by darkness • Learn to bend and be flexible when we get stepped on • Spread out and enjoy the small moments • Don’t reject something simply because others perceive it as worthless • May you be encouraged on those days when you feel worn • When we cling to God we won’t be ground down in defeat • Take time to be refreshed, especially when in high-traffic areas • Peace grows from learning yourself and releasing all to God who planted you
From “Reflection from the Everyday” Charlotte-Anne Allen 6/15/2024
• 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
• Where there are knots, there is growth • Wisdom grows from our experiences • See the beauty that is drawn from our imperfections • Character is reflected in how we shape our lives • Rugged places can build depth and empathy • Hold on to positive values to avoid holes • We are stronger when we come together • Enjoy the quirky things in life • Build a strong base connection to meet each day • Surround yourself with positive influences • There is beauty in a life well-lived • Stand tall and support and learn from each other • Sink yourself deeply in God’s Word • God is our secure connection to life and being
– from “Reflections from the Everyday” Charlotte-Anne Allen
I love to encourage people and to see their happy faces… and there is something special about a child’s open face, full of delight and joy!
The word “winsome” came to mind this week and just thinking about it made me smile. It carries a sense of brightness and cheerfulness. A person who is winsome draws smiles from others.
I think it has a lot to do with keeping a positive attitude, too. My mom was such a good example of that. Always encouraging, helping us to see things from better perspectives. Showing a good mood or disposition can be challenging! We choose what frame of mind we want to dwell on, whatever is going on, and that can be easier at some times than others… Oh, that we all could be more winsome in our day-to-day encounters!
Cheerful or happy hearts and dispositions need to be cultivated. It’s something that I still struggle with sometimes. When the thoughts and worries won’t quit whirling around and around in my head, I have to keep looking for the good and working on having a better perspective. Lots of prayer, too! Maybe you have similar challenges. The book of Proverbs gives us some wisdom for attitude adjustments and outlook:
“A cheerful disposition is good for your health…” or in other words, “A cheerful heart is good medicine…” Proverbs 17:22a
I also love this one, “…the cheerful heart has a continual feast” (Proverbs 15:15b). Don’t you just love that thought?! Nurturing a cheerful heart brings a feast for the soul, not just for ourselves but for everyone we extend that welcome cheer to.
How can we nurture a deep-down happy or positive heart? We can do this by keeping ourselves fueled and connected to God. Tending that time with God, prayer, quiet moments, fellowship and sharing with others we value, and intentional focus on positives and thanks are some things that can help. What are some things that work for you?
Be encouraged! Praying that these thoughts will brighten your days and ease your hearts.
• A true home is where you can be yourself • We draw nourishment from positive words and actions • Create surroundings that protect you and don’t tear you down • Tough exteriors often conceal soft hearts • Beauty comes in many forms and colors • Good can be found in the midst of movement and storm • When mired in trouble seek the light • Care from others helps heal cracked hearts and lives • Make your home a place where others can find shelter • Do not let life’s true treasures rush by unnoticed • There is much to discover at a slower pace • God’s power moves us, forms us, and protects us
From “Reflections from the Everyday” Charlotte-Anne Allen
• Approach life with interest, flavor, and zest • Treasure those memories of special moments frozen in time • Cold hearts lead to a dreary life but warm hearts provide cheer to many • True friendship is like a taste of creamy goodness • Live honestly that your true colors reflect integrity • Sharing compassionately arises from brokenness • Do not allow frosty responses to dim your peace • Be your positive and add color and flavor to life • When coldness invades, allow warmth to savor goodness • God can melt the most cold and stubborn heart • Seek what refreshes and strengthens you and give thanks • Missed opportunities can result from frozen indecision • Let go of worries and enjoy good fruits of life • Your center support is God’s strong presence
From “Reflections from the Everyday” Charlotte-Anne Allen
The Still Small Voice 