Ripening now upon our stem
What have we now to say?
Offering of our best each day
Our heart, our words
And what we do
Giving freely
Placing all first before God
Trusting Him who does supply
Charlotte-Anne Allen
First Fruits
trust
What Is It?
What is it?, they said,
as they peered at the ground.
There were thin flakes like frost
shining white all around
What is it, this ‘manna’?
For they did not know
That it was bread of heaven
Food they couldn’t sow
Born of dew
by God’s great hand
It filled their bellies
and gave strength to stand
When we’re in the wilderness
With fear high and hope dim
It’s hard to cease our grumbling
Though in trials we can trust in Him
God is our provision
Daily providing all the stuff
When we gaze and say, What is it?
His manna is enough
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Prayer for Stillness
Oh God, sometimes it’s hard to “still”
To seek, to listen… trusting Your will
Guide me in Your steps today
Ever in Your presence stay
Set my feet firmly on the rock
Not slipping sliding… “on my clock”
All anxious thoughts, please set aside
Draw me, calm me… in You abide
When I feel the sun and smell the rain
Hear joyful laughter and smile again
I’m thankful God
… in Your stillness
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Steer the Way
“Stop here. Now, back slowly. Turn the steering wheel just so… and now into the spot between the two cars… Got it!”
I recall the time, many years ago now, when I took driver’s ed in high school and had to learn to parallel park. It was a bit of a challenge at first. Steering the car just so took some practice… Perhaps you can relate.
I saw a sign recently that read, “Make God your steering wheel…” That same day, I heard on the radio, “Steering is easier when you are in motion. It’s harder to turn the steering wheel when sitting still.” That got me to thinking.
When we ask someone to “steer me in the right direction” we are asking which way to go to find something or for help in making a right decision. A prayer in the book of Psalms says, “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.* James used illustrations about bits in the mouths of horses to turn them and large ships driven by strong winds yet steered by a small rudder.*
It may seem obvious, but steering requires movement. Moving involves taking steps and making decisions. How many goals, dreams, or calls have I had but have felt too distracted, insecure, or weak to persevere and pursue them?
Like parallel parking it may take some practice and work to move. Prayer and trusting God to do the steering and to show us the right way helps us move forward one step at a time. There are some things that I’ve had to set to the side for a while but there are good things in their place for now… and that’s a thought for another day.
My prayer for us all is that we will trust God to show us His way and that we will trust Him to do the steering. Ever willing, ever moving. Be encouraged and celebrate the small steps.
*Psalm 25:4, James 3:3-4
Charlotte-Anne Allen
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
Reflections on Ashes
• The good that we create lives on to nourish others
• Live in consideration of the legacy you will leave
• Things left behind are windows for memories
• A little preparation helps prevent unforeseen situations
• Commitment results from warm embers and brings about change
• Developing strong character and integrity sets one apart
• Judging worth by appearance is speaking without experiencing
• Seeing ruins may bring both sadness and wonder
• Releasing negative thoughts and emotions is not an easy task
• When trust is broken relationships can crumble and blow away
• A spirit of renewal lends strength to rise above adversity
• Humility is not weakness but is gentle strong compassion
• A quiet presence during grief brings comfort
• God takes the ashes of our lives and creates masterpieces
From “Reflections on the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Inside Out and Upside Down
In this life of ours
It’s those unexpected things
That make us scratch out heads!
What’s in, is now out
What’s up, is now down
We wonder what’s to be done!
We turn ourselves this way and that
Full of worry and of fret
To focus on the ills and strife!
Oh God, remind us Your ways are straight
Through ups and down and ins and outs
When we turn our eyes toward You
And Then … Crickets
“What’s that?!” I asked myself as the shrill call of a cricket broke the silence. I searched the room and discovered the location of the small but vocal insect. Was he calling out for his lady love? Perhaps challenging a contender for that love? The cricket suddenly went quiet as it sensed my presence.
Quiet… Have you ever experienced that awkward silence after someone says something embarrassing or inappropriate? It’s just “crickets,” they say. Or perhaps you’ve worked and planned or struggled to complete some project or event. You speak about it with passion… and then nothing, little or no response! It’s enough to dishearten the best of us, isn’t it?!
There are so many examples of just this in the Bible. The prophets, those sent to bring warning or instruction, were often ignored and the people refused to listen to them. The disciples and early church had their difficulties with this too.
So, what do we do? Being contented in my own path and voice keeps me going, although moments of doubts happen. Choosing to continue, finding that path or calling, and being obedient and trusting God for fruit all help us to follow that vision.
For me, that could mean reevaluating or revising what I’m doing or saying… or writing. It also brings my attention and prayers for that one who did hear or will hear. This is building on one, and one, and one… even in the face of apparent “crickets.” We don’t always know or realize the positive, or negative, impact one person has on another one. Don’t undervalue the significance of solitary encounters and their possible life-changing resounding effects.
Just as the cricket’s voice calls out to others, keep on singing. Keep on striving. Keep on following your passion. Let your words encourage and strengthen. Let your actions speak. Lift up the “one” who God places in your path… and listen for the voices of fellow crickets. God speaks in the quiet.
Trust Fully
At dawn’s breaking, day’s nooning
Eve’s dawning, night’s sighing
What message sending
… trust fully
When rising in doubt, so restless foreboding
Or lonely now stressing, growing angry or fearful
When foremost is … self
Trust fully
What attitude taken, what visions or angst
When anxious or doubting, ‘I deserve’ and ‘why me’s’
Spreading discontent’s seeds
So hard to trust fully
Not foolish naive, of life’s follies and stress
Walk slowly take courage; run swiftly, greet confidence
Still self; be assured
And trust fully
Are you pointing to … Him, God’s hand held each day
Thoughts that are fruitful, for others to know
Nourishing lifting
… trust fully
Where vision does take us, eyes do perceive us
Words spew or bear up; actions tear or build up
Ear shut out or listen
… ah, trust fully
Contentment and blessing, joy enriching,
Smiles bring laughter; peace offers comfort
God is present
… trust fully
The Still Small Voice 