travel

April 20, 2025

Step, Step


Crunch of feet upon the path
Step, step along the way

One came teaching of God’s great love
Touching, healing, seeing our hearts

Who are you and why this trek?
Travelers with you, by night and day

Crunch, step, crunch, step
Ever closer to Jerusalem’s mount

Needy arms reaching, faces turning
Who do they see and what do we say?

Shout hosanna… then turn and run
King of heaven enters… to give up the Son

Step, step and one final sup
To pray in the garden and offer the cup

Broken body, abandoned alone
Then filled with new light for us at home

Come alongside Him, this Jesus alive…
Who’s lifting us up when we stumble and fall

Step, crunch, step ever closer to that holy mount
… Walking with Him upon the upward path

Charlotte-Anne Allen

October 20, 2023

Reflections on Roadways

• Sometimes we need repaving and make-overs
• Life’s storms and seasons can cause much wear
• Potholes can develop during rough times
• Preparation is important for getting anywhere
• A caring hand in times of hardship helps prevent accidents
• Travel slowly in adverse conditions
• Smoothing the process allows for optimum progress
• Look for opportunities for doing good when you’re out and about
• We have a common need to move forward
• Take much thought when considering your route
• Don’t be afraid to explore
• Side roads and country routes can lead to less stressful opportunities
• Rushing about leaves little room for introspection or service
• God travels with us over many types of terrain

Charlotte-Anne Allen

July 21, 2023

Country Lane


Living on a country lane
Space and life with much to gain

Early morning cool with dew
Rising sun calls to you

Hardworking farmers busy all
Green fields with corn so tall

Barnyard creatures, chickens and cows
Tractors and trucks, bailers and plows

Grassy yards and sweet shade trees
Singing birds and buzzing bees

Rolling hills or wooded ways
Cool starry nights and long full days

Travel along a peaceful track
Kick off your shoes and settle back

Charlotte-Anne Allen

August 13, 2022

Reflections on Feet

• A good foot rub relaxes body and soul
• We often take things we use daily for granted
• Comfort is bare feet on the cool grassy ground
• Bringers of good news are like sunshine after a cloudy day
• Be mindful of where you go and whom you walk with
• Travel brings new discoveries and renewed relationships
• Stand firmly for goodness and justice
• Consider possible consequences to avoid slipping
• Some paths are full of rocks, roots, and washouts
• Wisdom speaks from experience
• Heed words of wisdom to avoid stumbling
• It’s good to put your feet up and breathe after a busy day
• Walk through life seeing interruptions as positive opportunities
• Follow the feet of our Shepherd

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

November 20, 2021

Winter’s Nip

“Hello,” he says,
“Just passing by today.
But I’ll be back
For a longer stay!”

“It’s been a while.
I’ve been away,
To other climes,
Some cold to lay.”

“It’s quite a job,
The world to view.
Opportunities to enjoy
Outside for a few.”

“A nice warm fire
Will do for some
Who prefer to be toasty
When I come.”

With a nod and smile
He travels on.
But he’ll return
He’s not gone!

June 27, 2020

Reflections on Bridges

wooden bridge in woods_pexels_cropped

• 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

December 27, 2019

Birthday Party

gifts boxes candle_pexels_cropped

I know it’s around here somewhere
Where could it be

Please read the note again for us
So we can check it out

We received the welcome message
Bright and clear for us to see

Made the preparations
And packed our many bags

The trip was long but we’ve arrived
Gifts ready and in hand

Where is that birthday party
The mother and the child

Oh look oh look do you see it now
The star that marks the spot

We brought these birthday presents
Chosen for a royal life

Giving of our best to you
New Prince of peace and King of kings

February 17, 2019

Rabbit Trails

forest_children rabbits deer-1967253_960_720_pixabay_cropped

Running here and running there
What am I to do?

Let’s go this way
Wait, look at that!

So much now to discover
…Where was I going?

Oh yes, that’s it
Complete my task

Now just a little further
Travel down this trail

Did you hear that?
I love that tune!

Reminds me of happy times.
You remember when…

Come let me show you
What I found the other day!

… Sun’s now setting?!
Day’s now waning?!

But there are more trails to trod!
Open eyes ears heart

Hmmm… so true!
Living life to the fullest!

Finding new horizons
Down those rabbit trails

 

December 22, 2018

As a Star

star Magi_christmas-2869903_1920_pixabay

As a star once shone
Gazing down upon the earth
Dazzling companions
Gathered ‘round

Its light beamed softly
Gently touched a tiny face
Heaven stirred and sang
Come now come

As a star once shone
Guiding light to show the way
Wise magi followed
Bringing gifts

Sparkling diamond led
The travelers expectantly
New king to worship
Jesus child

As a star once shone
It revealed a precious gift
As God’s Son brought light
Savior born

March 9, 2018

Reflections on Traffic Lights

traffic light yellow sky_pexels-photo-147430_Cropped

• Always be alert when approaching crossroads
• Knowing when to go and when to stop aids activities
• Pause to assess the landscape before proceeding
• We all need to slow down in order to avoid accidents
• Waiting for changes can be difficult
• Sometimes the change goes smoothly and without pause
• Collisions may occur when we are impatient or distracted
• Regular maintenance helps ensure continued health and best service
• Obeying traffic signals is important for interaction with others