• We draw strength from the warmth of friends and family • Don’t neglect preparation but anticipate needs and be ready • Our actions, thoughts, and words are widespread and far-reaching • Some days and seasons are like a whirling, churning storm • Opposing forces can cause much trauma and destruction • Emotions, self-focus, and hormones steer us in vast floods • It is difficult to lower contention when we are close to the center of it • Thoughtless words spew forth like flying debris • Evacuations may be needed when faced with unhealthy situations • Water is both cleansing and a powerful force so drink wisely • When you hit hard times, lean on each other to form a strong and solid base • Come together as community when faced with common challenges • Determination, motivation, and support give strength when rebuilding • Jesus is our calm place no matter what surrounds us
– From “Reflection from the Everyday” Charlotte-Anne Allen
• May we see beauty beyond the outer facade • True compassion grows and shines from within • Gathering together can be encouraging and supportive • There are times when we just need to be alone • We sometimes emit “offensive odors” in our daily lives • People can raise a stink when they are unhappy • The warmth of a sunshiny disposition can draw crowds • Flying around without thought can cause confusion and crashes • Applying pressure to situations often results in unpleasant consequences • Travel can open one’s eyes to many things • Surround yourself with what is nourishing for both body and mind • May your words to others be more than annoying buzzing • Be present for God, who is always present • God is with us in the deepest darkest crevices and sunniest windows
– 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
• 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
• Consider wisely what you lean on • A strong base lends support for the work at hand • There are times to step back to relieve pressure • Relieving pressure allows room for healing and rest • It’s good to have something handy to whack with when needed • Whack away those doubts and fears • Making good choices requires forethought and regular practice • When temptation comes, keep a firm grasp on positive values • Choose the right material to build character and integrity • It is good to unload our worries to a listening ear • Whether climbing peaks or walking across the room, a supportive friend is welcome • Taking the weight off our shoulders brings great relief • Shepherds both guide and protect with their staff • God our Shepherd walks with us and shines through our weakness
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Psalm 23:4 – Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Our desire or need for connectedness is expressed in many ways. It can be challenging to build and to maintain relationships with family and friends when separated by distance or circumstances! Those times when we can talk or correspond with each other bring us closer together… for encouragement, for enjoyment, to share, and to support each other. Working or serving together with others provides opportunities to deepen friendships and to develop new ones.
When my cousin and I get on the phone to each other, we usually talk for at least an hour… catching up, sharing thoughts, and lending support. We do not often get to see each other, as we live in different states, but when we do get together then we talk for hours. Close relationships are special! I am reminded of a verse in the book of Proverbs that says, “A friend loves at all times, and kinsfolk are born to share adversity.” Relationship rises above differences and hardship.
Can you imagine building a positive relationship without staying in touch with that person? What if we rarely or never really talked to them about things that matter? How would they know that we care? Without desire and commitment, there would be no way to develop lasting friendships.
The same is true with our relationship to God, isn’t it? Jesus told his disciples, “I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father.” Can you imagine that?! I’m so glad that God wants a relationship with us! As we build closer connections to God, through prayer, our faith community, and by studying His Word, we learn more about Him. We grow in our own faith and our words and actions let others know that we care.
My prayers for each of us – busy, stressed, struggling, thankful – are that we may rise each morning and lie down each evening knowing that we have a faithful friend in God, who is always by our side. Stay in touch!
“Did that get it?” I squinted my eyes and turned my head to view the window I was cleaning, gaining a new perspective as the angle of light shifted. Rubbing out another smudge on the glass, I stepped back to check out my work. Looking good! No more streaks or dirt.
Isn’t life just like that too… especially in relationships with others?! Our feelings, emotions, and reactions are often wrapped up in our own perspective. We lash out or jump to conclusions… because of course that is what the other person was thinking or planning, right?! At least that is our own presumption. Unfortunately, I have found myself regretting my reactions and undergoing deep hurt or upset because I failed to consider where the other person was coming from, their thoughts or intents.
Considering things from the perspective of others brings a wealth of opportunities for positive experiences. Like the unseen dirt or smudges on glass, a shift in the way we see others and a desire to understand or extend some grace is needed. How often do we pause to reflect on the reactions or needs of others, to consider their past or present circumstances? How will looking at them from a different angle help exchange stress for compassion or lead to better understanding?
Perhaps Matthew and Luke had something of this in mind when they said, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” * Don’t we all want to be understood and to be given some grace in those moments when things just aren’t going right? I sure appreciate it when someone recognizes why I may have had a certain reaction and I am encouraged when they offer support and understanding!
Perhaps the next time you are cleaning that window or mirror, when you notice a smudge on your glasses, or when you flip your windshield wipers on… you will pause to consider your own perspective in some current situation. May God, who knows the human heart, grant us peace and a better perspective.
The Still Small Voice 