Cool as light from a sparkling moon
Stretching out to silent earth
Gleaming softly smooth to touch
Shiny brightly attracting the eyes
A treasure keeper carefully shaped
Drawn from within… and precious
Awaiting master’s touch
… tested and refined
Servant heart freely given
Purely silver
– From “Of the Earth”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Memories open time’s album
Eyes wide open upon days’ dawns
Open-shut-open, open-shut-open
Arriving here and then… days gone
In our blinks we pause and see
What has shaped us, has made us be
Light quickly flashing, a momentary gleam
Revealing treasures, struggles, and more
Ah, time’s reward upon it’s trek
Whether quickly upon us or swiftly away
As blink and blink and blink again
Casting off past and gaining new
And so, each day we open a promise
Mindful of time’s precious blinks
Do not let them pass you by
But live and grow and quiet your soul
Charlotte-Anne Allen
I saw a rock the other day
And tossed it to the side
It’s just a bit of gravel
Hindering my work
Ah hah, a child exclaimed
As he passed along and saw
It’s a treasure shining brightly
Bringing smiles and warm in hand
I saw a rock the other day
Dirty muddy in the way
A great boulder in my path
What a bother to go around
Ah hah, the builders said
As they spied that handsome stone
It’s just the thing we’re searching for
And fine addition to our new home
I saw a rock the other day
And tripped over it as I sped by
Why is that here and in my way
I have a lot to do
Ah hah, sighed another
Seeing the smooth worn slab
It’s just the help I need
A perfect fit to fix my steps
I saw a rock the other day
And took a second glance
A shining treasure
Firm foundation
Help along the way
Charlotte-Anne Allen
• A true home is where you can be yourself
• We draw nourishment from positive words and actions
• Create surroundings that protect you and don’t tear you down
• Tough exteriors often conceal soft hearts
• Beauty comes in many forms and colors
• Good can be found in the midst of movement and storm
• When mired in trouble seek the light
• Care from others helps heal cracked hearts and lives
• Make your home a place where others can find shelter
• Do not let life’s true treasures rush by unnoticed
• There is much to discover at a slower pace
• God’s power moves us, forms us, and protects us
From “Reflections from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
A treasure trove!
What great delight
To re-discover things long forgotten
To dig and rummage
And sift things about
Some wooden matches and screws and tacks
Where’s the thingamabob?
Oh wow, I forgot I had that!
And this will be handy to hang things up
Yay! Here’s the screwdriver
I’ve found my best scissors!
What in the world! Now what is this?…
I’m just not quite sure
There’s really no clue
Can’t throw that away, until I know!
Indeed, one day soon
Surely, before very long
It will all be sorted as I clear some things out!
… Now, what was I looking for?!
• Gifts from the heart come in many forms
• Give simple gifts freely and daily
• A child’s embrace and trust are to be treasured
• Receiving gives others the opportunity to give
• Material gifts, while nice, should not be overrated
• Do not turn away what is needed when offered in love
• Gifts of time and service express compassion and fellowship
• Examine what you value most
• Share faith, family, home, and strength of community
• Be genuine in giving
• See those in need, be present with the lonely, hear the hurting
• Give quietly and without expectation or demand of personal return
• Do not reserve gift giving for holidays, celebrations, or other remembrances
• Give “just because”
• God gave all because of the greatest of love
from “Reflections from the Everyday” – Charlotte-Anne Allen
Building growing forming joining
Connections produce the larger whole
Dot-to-dot, white country fences,
Friends and neighbors, family
Look around you everywhere
All with places or parts to play
Birds sitting upon a line,
Small child clinging to your hand
Business office, work and play
Emails filling texts exchanging
But best of all formed and strong
Speaking caring come together
Making connections
To last and treasure
• We choose to build up or to tear down
• Consider your words before you speak, and you will not lament the after
• Criticizing in condemnation shuts the door on growth and grace
• A careless tongue is like a roaring volcano
• An open mouth without consideration often spews flames of hurt
• Words of encouragement sweeten the most bitter
• What you say or don’t say reveals your character
• Wise instruction is a great treasure
• The words of others which you eat and drink, will come back up in your own voice
• Harsh words shred our soul and tear our heart
• Restraint is a strength, so cover your mouth when needed
• Fresh air breaths light into a day like songs of praise
• Friendship and respect welcome all words shared
• Give heed to the eternal Word which is full of grace and might
A gleam a thought
Watch as ideas awaken
Designers and dreamers
Envision wholeness
Each thread each vine
Every reed and fiber
Interlacing forming linking
Drawn by a master’s hand
The weaver’s fingers
Move with purpose
Crossing wrapping
Pulling together
Patterns and designs
Take shape and reveal
That which was weak
Coming together
Story of redemption
Woven treasure
From brokenness
beauty emerges
I found a treasure shining bright
Among the rocks and weeds
Not of gold and jewels rare
But something born of seeds
In lowly places there it grew
It lifted its face to warmth of sun
And there upon the peaks and trails
I saw it beckon and began to run
Darkness did not overcome that glow
It shone anew as shining star
Through tossing waves and sliding sand
In sheltered valley or mountain far
A new day risen to setting sun and upon
Nights cool twinkle …I lifted my eyes
There now cradled in God’s great hand
Planted by One both pure and wise
I found a treasure shining bright
Discovered the gift of His great LOVE
* In loving memory of Ron Jeffries
The Still Small Voice 