April 27, 2024

Balm

Warm sunshine and soft country breeze
Quiet sunrise with golden rays
Soft laughter and companionship
Gentle, calming… sooths the soul

What this balmy day can share
Lifts the spirits everywhere
Healing salve for body and mind
Fragrant oil and cooling drop

Home and comfort during trying times
Kick off the shoes and breathing deep
Curing unguent for renewal and rest
There is a balm both caring and sweet

Cracked and dry we seek balsam’s touch
Absorbing goodness to now be restored
Kindness reaches out like Gilead’s finest
… Feel God’s ointment sinking in

Charlotte-Anne Allen

March 15, 2024

The Sun Rises Again

Golden glow bids farewell
to day’s journeys

Twilight ‘s dusky presence eases
toward night’s greeting

Stars sparkle and luna’s face shines,
Ever gliding onward

Cool darkness touches gently,
A shroud for troubled minds

And so, we draw breath
and ponder anew life’s wonders

Resting. Closing our eyes.
Voicing thanks and casting cares

To One who knows and loves us
Bringing hope and renewal

Pouring forth God’s light.
For the sun rises again

Charlotte-Anne Allen
Psalm 143:8

March 2, 2024

Up

When upside down
Unhappy frown
A welcome “up” we seek

Cheerful voice and lips uplifted
Encouragement to be gifted
… Bring sunshine to gray days

Listen up and hear
When our hearts feel fear
… To God’s quiet presence within

Don’t hang it up when we are sprawled
On our backs where we have crawled
… Take a breath and be at rest

Offered helping hand
Now we can stand
Wake up, walk up, climb up

Charlotte-Anne Allen

February 10, 2024

Reflections on Dust

• 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