As a fire in the bones
Crashing waves of the ocean
Roaring wind announcing coming storm
Or bubbles soaring shimmering rising sinking
Rainbow colors that shine their joy
Leaving smiles in their wake
So then do we
Release bring forth
Words poured upon our souls
As wind and wave
With great passion and strength
To uplift encourage challenge share hope
Or as softly soaring spheres
Swinging low and rising up again
Inspiring contemplation communion healing
Guided by our Creator’s touch
• Giving does not divide, rather it multiplies and nourishes
• Generosity in sharing what you have grows blessings for all
• Disregarding the value of others brings heartache and misunderstandings
• Gather together what is needed to guide you
• Our lives are a rich mosaic of colors and patterns
• Look for the beauty in small things as well as grand displays
• The beauty of a life brought to wholeness gives us hope
• God will comfort us in our brokenness
• We often struggle when we cannot see the whole picture
• Looking at all perspectives and options can help gain clarity
• Receiving memories shared by others is like finding missing puzzle pieces
• Apply yourself to learning and to gaining skills bit-by-bit
• Trying new things adds color and interest
• When all is dashed to pieces, there is God to gather us
From “Reflections from the Everyday” – Charlotte-Anne Allen
“It’s good to see you!” “How are you doing now?”
“See you soon!” “Stay in touch!”
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!
*Proverbs 17:17, John 15:15, Luke 11:2
“What’s up?” I say in greeting you,
In comfortable companionship.
Just hanging out and sharing life
Now there’s no rush with you and me.
“Oh, nothing much,” …but some days are long,
Going here… Doing this and that.
Just for now, let’s take a breather.
“So, what is up with you?”
With friends who care, we can be ourselves
And share our time and space.
To hear each other and really listen,
Offering support and being a presence.
“What’s up?” we say in recognition,
Doing this thing called life together.
Walk this way. I’ll lead you.
Another journey has begun.
We will be companions
As we tread a common path
Walk this way. I’ll lead you.
Staying by your side
And when the way grows rough and steep
My helping hand is there
Walk this way. I’ll lead you.
Together whatever befalls
Sharing hope or wiping tears
Laughing living praying going
Walk this way. I’ll lead you.
The Lord your banner
• Sometimes the way seems impossible
• By persevering we make a way for others
• We cross from one season of life to the next
• Some roads lead us over roaring torrents
• Other paths cross and meander over quiet ways
• Ways that meet can change the world
• Making bridges together forms strong bonds
• Reach and stretch to pursue positive goals
• Build what is good and strong and enduring
• Move forward with open eyes and positive perspective
• As you travel notice beauty around you and give thanks
• The Son is our greatest Bridge-maker
from “Reflections from the Everyday” by caallen
flitter fly
like birds in flight
a heart
goes winging
as storm winds stir
beating upward
ever onward
anxious searching
currents lifting
gaining soaring
flitter fly
sunlight shines
above the tempest
others joining
bringing comfort
rise together
light’s glow leading
strengthened carried
toward warmer climes
flitter flutter fly
Strength in adversity
Take courage take courage
Facing great challenges
Danger and pain
Bearing uplifting
Through lengthy days
Sustaining each other
Persistent endurance
Remaining steady
Overcome fear
Mind body faith
Fortitude
From “My Words to Live By” c-a allen
A brick is but a paper weight;
Alone it has no greater fate.
But with its kin in ordered state
Can build a wall that’s true and straight.
** By Guest Blogger – Fred Allen **
To meet the goal
That’s true and good
A big commitment
But I’ll try
What challenge is this?
The need is great
Working together
Let’s try
That first new step
It looks so daunting!
And what if I fail?
Only try
To fall and rise
Now once again
Discovering new things
Because I tried
Opportunities come
So be encouraged
If you say that I can
Then I’ll try
One foot one hand
A step a reach
How will you know
Unless you try?
World changers that
Both big and small
Not giving up
Just try!
The Still Small Voice 