Oh God, sometimes it’s hard to “still”
To seek, to listen… trusting Your will
Guide me in Your steps today
Ever in Your presence stay
Set my feet firmly on the rock
Not slipping sliding… “on my clock”
All anxious thoughts, please set aside
Draw me, calm me… in You abide
When I feel the sun and smell the rain
Hear joyful laughter and smile again
I’m thankful God
… in Your stillness
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Arms open wide to greet the day
Or bow the head against the wind
Uplifted ‘neath the dome of sky
Wait and rise with hands’ sure touch
Bold and strong, it speaks its way
Standing resilient, ever-linked
Connected as in prayer upon firm base
Persisting daily through nature’s pounding
As mountain peaks and volcano cones
Butterfly glides and flower sways
Rocks and tents and stars above
Pyramids solid, constellations shining
Clasping hands in unity
Harmony coming… mind, body, soul
Linger here to make us whole
Past, present, future starting anew
Holy Spirit, Son, and Father …One
Mighty God, great above all else
Set us strong upon our way
– From “Forms Around Us”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
We lift our faces to sun’s warm glow
On summer day or winter’s snow
To lips we bring in welcome cheer
food and drink to nourish us here
A child we hold in tender care
Holding closely to see them there
Picking up each other too
Showing our care and being true
We lift our prayers; we lift our eyes
To One who knows and is most wise
Charlotte-Anne Allen
“Stop here. Now, back slowly. Turn the steering wheel just so… and now into the spot between the two cars… Got it!”
I recall the time, many years ago now, when I took driver’s ed in high school and had to learn to parallel park. It was a bit of a challenge at first. Steering the car just so took some practice… Perhaps you can relate.
I saw a sign recently that read, “Make God your steering wheel…” That same day, I heard on the radio, “Steering is easier when you are in motion. It’s harder to turn the steering wheel when sitting still.” That got me to thinking.
When we ask someone to “steer me in the right direction” we are asking which way to go to find something or for help in making a right decision. A prayer in the book of Psalms says, “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.* James used illustrations about bits in the mouths of horses to turn them and large ships driven by strong winds yet steered by a small rudder.*
It may seem obvious, but steering requires movement. Moving involves taking steps and making decisions. How many goals, dreams, or calls have I had but have felt too distracted, insecure, or weak to persevere and pursue them?
Like parallel parking it may take some practice and work to move. Prayer and trusting God to do the steering and to show us the right way helps us move forward one step at a time. There are some things that I’ve had to set to the side for a while but there are good things in their place for now… and that’s a thought for another day.
My prayer for us all is that we will trust God to show us His way and that we will trust Him to do the steering. Ever willing, ever moving. Be encouraged and celebrate the small steps.
*Psalm 25:4, James 3:3-4
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Bold and strong
Or weak and trembling
… yet we stand
On solid rock
We will not fall, so
Watch for sand and gravel
One step we take
And then another
Daily onward in prayer and faith
Stepping forth
We’re not alone
… Guided by God’s sure hand
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Think now deeply
Weighing in your mind
Not speaking in a rush
Or acting before you find
Ponder things anew
And again, if need should be
For ears that will listen
And eyes that really see
Quiet considerations
Be still and take your time
Through prayer and meditation
Upon the mountains that you climb
And may those reflections brighten
Like a peaceful path on a clear sunny day
Lord, help us to live joyously
Wisely following you in every way
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.
Charlotte-Anne Allen 7/15/2023
To speak and to listen
With heart and mind
Daily companionship
With a close friend
Oh, faithful hearer
When I doubt
My strong supporter
Strength and guide
Through every moment
God’s presence here
Prayer
From “My Words to Live By”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Carols, cantatas, and choirs… Oh, my!
It’s that special time of year
The sound of music fills the air
Of voices and brass and string
Candlelight now softly shining
Red bows and green wreaths displayed
Stories recited and children excited
Games to play and words to sing
Rest from work, busy preparation
Traditions make the season special
Quiet moments for thought and prayer
Love offered and gifts to bring
Times to treasure and remember
Uplift, renew, be of goodwill
In community we worship God
May peace, hope, and joy now ring
– Charlotte-Anne Allen
The cool morning greeted me as I peeked out of the window, then stepped outside. Soft fog gently touched my face and chilled my arms. Drops of moisture clung to leaf and blade, lending its nourishment. Sounds of early morning rising were muffled and the neighbor’s nearby chickens clucked contentedly. The cats’ meows welcomed their morning feeding.
I love these soft foggy mornings, where the day begins more gently. The fog hides or softens our surroundings and I am more acutely aware. The quiet invites me to join in, easing my soul and settling my heart in preparation for the day. In that pause, I breathe deeply and feel at peace.
The prophet Jeremiah spoke of God’s majesty as seen in His creation. “It is (God) who made the earth by his power…He makes the mist rise from the ends of the earth.” * I think of God covering us, like a mist or fog, offering us nourishment and gently touching us to cool our anxious thoughts.
What an encouragement and positive start for our day! As the sun rises and begins to burn off the fog, so we turn to our activities or head off to work. Breathe deeply. Draw on God’s covering presence. Know His touch.
Prayers for you each new day. Be encouraged.
Jeremiah 10:12-13
The Still Small Voice 