Winter’s chill bids us forward
Hood drawn closely
to thwart wind’s cold fingers
Ever ahead, we lean and hurry
Yet mindful of what has passed behind
Crunch of icy frost underfoot
Dormant grass muddy and withered
Brown leaves remnants of Autumn past
Yet still, the warmth of sun’s rays upon one’s skin
So too we meet each moment
Pausing to remember and muse
Hope for todays and tomorrows to come
Of time and change … ‘midst winter’s chill
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Maker, Creator
Lord God Almighty
Powerful, Omnipotent
Redeemer most Sovereign
Savior and friend
Merciful forgiver
Loving Father of life
Adonai, our great ruler
When in doubt, you offer faith
When afraid, you bring comfort
All-knowing omniscient
Seeing me true
Bringer of hope
Joy even in sorrow
Lifting us up
For every tomorrow
Charlotte-Anne Allen 12/27/2025
Breaking news has come to light
Bright star shining in the night
Bringing words of great import
… As foretold in prior report
Delivered by angelic messengers this day
Telling shepherds where this King child lay
Scholars take notice, a trip to prepare
Come all you seekers to welcome him there
Join him in the manger stall
This Christ child come, for us all
Breaking news! Listen and be glad!
Love so vast through a little lad
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Softly falls the drifting snow
Harmonic music lifts and inspires
Quiet presence in time of need
A sleeping child held gently close
Softly touches the cooling breeze
A warming blanket snuggled close
Comforting touch conveying compassion
Misty rain’s light kiss in early morn
Softly comes the light tread of feet
Loving gaze to empathize
Wafting aroma of a simmering meal
Whispered words in hushed voice
Trusting animal’s light kiss
Golden glow of rising sun
Twinkling stars ‘midst clear dark night
Softly embraces our God’s mighty arms
Charlotte-Anne Allen
• There are times to be still and times to move
• Movement can be independent or dependent but affects all
• Fix your decisions on a strong frame
• Actions revolve around character and personality
• Direction seems elusive at times
• We turn in search of our best options
• Good physical activity and diet help keep things running well
• Moving goes more smoothly when well-planned
• The words around us affect what we do
• There must be power to enable movement of any kind
• Many things steer our course
• Making progress can be a circular process
• Changing positions should come after much thought and prayer
• God guides and moves us through each day
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Crunch
Crackle
Swish
Rattle
Leaves shaken from restless limbs
Roar
Rumble
Screech
Hum
Noisy leaf blowers make a job go quickly
Laughter
Shouts
Calls
Screams
Voices calling for favorite sport teams
Whisper
Sigh
Rustle
Swoosh
Soft breezes usher in winter’s nip
Season’s shifting
Night’s chilling
Sun’s glint sparkling
Cool air carries
…Sounds of Autumn
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Clanging cymbals, loud and rude
Turning heads where we stood
Noisy gongs now awaken
Ending rest that we have taken
Clashing shaking now vibrating
Look at me, they seem to say
At all I know, or have, or do
… Is all for show and our own way?
Where is joy?
Where’s faith and hope?
If in all of these it’s just for gain
As, looking within us, …our hearts are vain
God, help us together as we pray
Dispel the clamor as we seek the way
A decision each day to lift and care
To offer love’s great gift … Nothing will compare
Charlotte-Anne Allen
1 Corinthians 13
To endure
Great hardship
challenges
or trials
Bearing up
With determination
perseverance
and fortitude
Put up with
Tolerate need
In times of stress
Seek patience
Finding support
to continue on
God hope
strength
Interesting word
… Thole
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Lightly breaths the freshening air
Softly lifting sweeping strands of hair
Lightly speaks a sleepy songbird
As morning rays spread glowing fingers
Gentle rabbit ever slowly and lightly hops
Upon bedewed blades sparkling in sun’s touch
Sighing and yawning world slowly awakes
Stepping lightly and looking upon day’s dawn
Lightly now we gaze upon earth’s glory
Pausing amid our to-and-fro and breathing deeply
Treasured moments to renew and strengthen
Welcome gift of peace from our Creator God
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Sunshine upon closed eyes
Lit by autumn’s cool glow
Upon thankful heads
Leaning to lingering warmth
Frosty nip at early morning’s dawn
Nature’s announcer of shifting seasons
Step lightly now and breath crisp chill
Growing nuances of more to come
And so, I dream of summer gone
Walking, playing, working, moving
Mindful of the new and the old
Life’s cycles and curiosity piqued
So, we shall live
One step at a time
Ever remembering and
Ever looking forward … in God’s great plan
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The Still Small Voice 