strength

September 2, 2023

Reflections on Tree Knots


• 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

June 16, 2023

Blue Blue is the Ocean

Blue’s fine shades draw us near
Welcoming us in many ways

Lightly peaceful, relax and breathe
Waters soothing and sky’s clear days

Touching softly its companions
Settle back in calm serene

Brightens, lifts, and cools our head
To think, create… So fresh and clean

Then bold and dark, stable commitment
Speaks of strength and lends its dignity

Standing now for trust, honesty
Respect for others and authority

Be watchful, when into melancholy you sink
Then bring alongside… those shades of bright blue

From “On Colors”
Charlotte-Anne Allen

May 28, 2023

Extra Extra


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

May 14, 2023

Possible


To be to happen or to do
Hope for good upon each day

Achievable desirable
Possibilities before us

Shall we believe
That in all God is able?

Though sometimes things
Seem undone… impossible

Be still and know in quietness
Helping, loving, and persisting

Positivity makes a difference
Strength for better

Possible

From “My Words to Live By”
Charlotte-Anne Allen

February 3, 2023

Storm Breaking

In rising wind and slashing rain
Storm breaking, pounding, roaring

Trees do dance… They break and tremble
Whipped by nature’s grasping breath

Do we yet cower… or stand in awe?
We in our weakness before God’s might

Surrendered to those cleansing waters
Breathing in His freshening wind

Look now… A Light is shining
Glowing, filling, warming…

Ever speaking of storm passing
Securely held in its wake

Charlotte-Anne Allen

January 13, 2023

Reflections on Webs


• See the beauty woven into the fabric of life
• Hope is like drops of dew amidst fragile strands shining in the light
• Outward fragility can belie strength and purpose
• When sticky situations rear up, hold on to what is good and kind
• Dishonesty builds tangled webs of deceit
• Nurture that which builds lasting relationships and overcomes storms
• Attend to tremors and shakings signaling significant arrivals
• If caught unaware, we run headlong into that which can trap us
• Know there is still purpose when we are dusty and spent
• Recognizing our smallness builds humility and empathy
• The spider’s mountain is still a mountain
• We are nourished as we are being formed
• Be one who draws others to receive healing
• When ragged and torn, turn to God who makes us new

– From “Reflections from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen

October 9, 2022

Citrus Orange

Orange speaks of happiness
Relaxed and friendly, enjoying life

Joining neighbors red and yellow
Warm and comfortable, overcoming strife

It speaks of endurance and of strength
A glowing light in evenings sky

Fragrance wafting, juicy sweet
Tangy goodness sends the spirit high

Persevering ever forward
Creative bright and shining out

From One who knows our fears and joys
May our lives serve to brighten about

Lifting encouraging one another
Shining like that splash of orange

From “On Colors”
Charlotte-Anne Allen