Cool air wafting on sweaty brows
Or sunshine’s warmth to ease day’s chill
Stretching and turning; curling and snuggling
Quiet moments bring respite; fill us.
Satisfied… Embracing peace
Shedding cares for a time
We savor the richness
Close our eyes and breath deeply
The noise of the day recedes
And we rest …content
• Surround yourself with positive reminders
• Those positive reminders strengthen hope
• Decorations tell the story of God’s great love
• Keep Christ’s star ever on top to light the way
• Lights show the way and bring cheer and security
• We pray for messengers bringing good news of peace
• A safe place of rest is never too lowly
• Shelter and care are sometimes taken for granted
• The occupation of service is a universal call
• Watch over and guide those precious ones in your care
• Those who live humbly and compassionately are life’s greatest strength
• Like newborn babes and children… we seek nourishment
• Encourage each other and freely offer your all
• The constant evergreen love of God for us is the greatest of gifts
from “Reflections from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen 12/12/2020
Hosea 14:8b (God said,) “I am like an evergreen cypress; from me comes your fruit.” NRSV … “I am like a flourishing juniper; your fruitfulness comes from me.” NIV
Isaiah 11:1 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. NIV
Restful quiet
When exhaustion looms
Comfort and calm
And blessed to relax
Help and strength
So much appreciated
Release of stress
Let go anxiety
Welcome peace
Amidst changes and challenges
Calm assurance
And seeking patience
Grant contentment
When all is done
That light may enter
And joy possess
Happiness
Quiet gladness
Appreciating the small things
Who one is
What one has
In need or in plenty
Rest for weary
Knowing ease
Body, mind, and soul
Encouraged
Faith received
Now lifting strong
Schools of learning
Great and small
Places of business
In buildings tall
Scrambling madly
Push and shove
Grant me now simplicity
Detailed instructions
Now what was that?
No time to ponder
Pushed away like a gnat
Pontificating loudly …
My brain needs a rest!
I do so yearn for simplicity
Learning is good
Don’t misunderstand
Standing straight and excited
Accomplishment in hand
Savor life slowly
Delight in “ah-hah’s”
That is the gift of simplicity
• The bits and pieces we leave behind speak of life lived
• We gain in wisdom as we are shaped
• The remnants we leave are our legacy
• A protective surrounding will shelter and nourish new life
• Warmth and support bring contentment
• A soft bed and peaceful rest are not to be taken for granted
• The smell of worked wood inspires creativity
• The unfolding of outer layers can be difficult
• An artist forms things of wonder and beauty
• The Master’s hand can form beauty from the roughest exteriors
• Each day needs slipper moments
• Rise to a new day with anticipation of good
• A warm smile and kind touch bring comfort
• Soft words encourage healing and rest
• Protecting others is a most noble call and occupation
• Reach out to others like a warm home on a cold day
• Slip on true friendship and slide off falsehood
• Put on that which will enrich life
• Embrace laughter and silly slippers for a joyful heart
• A peaceful evening of rest is a great blessing
• Knowing we are useful brings contentment
• The Comforter is always with us
Family gathered
Friends Companions
New life born
Gentle touch
Food satisfying
Cool water
Home and shelter
Warm secure
Place of safety
Times of peace
Learning or teaching
Good books to read
Health and rest
Nature Gardens
Music Song
Laughter and Smiles
The wind it blows where e’er it will
And water flows how e’er may be
People move from here to there
Now how’d the geese know when to fly
Fog and mist rise to the sky
Or settle down to take a rest
Then comes a blast a howling screech
Now grab your hat or turn and flee
Hot words scorch frigid reactions steal
Friendship and compassion lie in dust
Now caught unaware, oh what was that
Grab for a tree or find a warm spring
Howl with the dogs to drown the screech
Throw down the salt to melt the ice
The wind it blows where e’er it will
And water flows how e’er may be
As sirens pass motors roar by
We settle and rest …and laughter returns
• Size does not determine wisdom
• Don’t disregard the value of hard work
• Never pausing to rest will soon burn you out
• Things which look enticing may also bring negative results
• Never consider things from only one small perspective
• Focusing on only what is right before us can blind us to everything else
• Regular communication is key to life
• Working together for a common purpose brings results
• Helping those who are hurting strengthens everyone
• There are seasons to draw together and seasons to venture forth
The Still Small Voice 