September 20, 2026

It Was the Time…


It was the time of the night
When we reach out our hands
To the One who is Lord of all

It was the time of the night
When we seek His touch
As a child held safe and warm

It was the time of the night
When we call out His name
From a heart of need or want

It was the time of the night
When we see how great
Is the One who gave His life

It was the time of the night
When we know God’s care
And hope has room to grow

It was the time of the night
When weary spirits can lift
For light… God’s love for us

Charlotte-Anne Allen

September 13, 2026

Stained Glass


Sunlight streaming
Through the panes
Casts a glow…
A wondrous light

Colors bold
Or soft and gentle
Life statements
… holy spaces

From ancient days
Of olden lore
History reaches
Out its hand

Speaks of faith
Of family and beauty
Determination, battles
Loss and gain

Natures touch
Through shining light
Built through stains
And earth’s embrace

Come settle before
Its silent illumination
Ponder meaning, mystery
Heaven’s quiet presence

Charlotte-Anne Allen

September 5, 2026

Reflections on Light

• Light is warmth and comfort
• Who we truly are is revealed in our words, thoughts, and actions
• Devote good works for each day, through sun’s rising and setting
• Summer’s warmth and sunshine lend energy
• It is very satisfying to rest after our labor
• Shadows cast can both cool and warn us
• There are times for movement and times for quiet stillness
• We are rejuvenated by positive faith, support, and encouragement
• Our eyes are drawn to points of light…
as to moon, sun, and stars of night
• Darkness flees in the presence of hope and security
• Positive growth and life emerge from the light of God
• We are like colors in the grand spectrum of God’s holy light

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

August 29, 2026

Between


Much can be said for in “between”
Not here, not there but just so now
It’s in the journey, as we go
Learning, growing, wondering how

We discover here a new better outlook
To walk, to pause, to quietly abide
Gaining perspective where we are found
Misty vales, plains, or vistas wide

Not always content when in “between”
It can be worrisome and most unsettling
So, draw a slow breath and look above
Seek calm, gather peace, to cease fretting

Each day, each moment, is life itself
Time moving, ever turning in this place
And God’s Son who came between
Precious treasure… full of grace

Charlotte-Anne Allen

August 16, 2026

Merry-Go-Round


Round-and-round
Spinning with glee
Wind on the skin
And hair flying free

Mouth wide open
Eyes shining bright
What could be better
This wondrous delight

Knights of old
So valiant and brave
Riding their chargers
Now give them a wave

Zooming past
Now hold on tight
Or push and run
With all their might

Happy and dizzy
Seeing others flash past
They make a good team
…And a joy that will last

Charlotte-Anne Allen

August 9, 2026

Seeds


From this… life springs
Marvelous wonders
Unimposing treasures
Waiting for time of planting
Sown upon fertile soil
Drawing nourishment
Water, air, good soil, light
Breaking forth in newness
Digging roots downwards
Reaching ever upwards
Forming, growing, bearing
In turn enriching others
Nourishing and life bringing
… We seeds of God’s making

Charlotte-Anne Allen

July 26, 2026

Reflections on Moss

  • We absorb much from our surroundings
  • Our actions and reactions affect others in our lives
  • What comes out can build or tear down
  • A soft touch can heal wounds
  • Firm resolve with discernment will drive outcomes
  • Reaching out to others can be difficult
  • It is possible to thrive through challenging situations
  • Diversity opens the doors of creativity and innovation
  • Being in the limelight brings greater responsibility
  • Keep your cool so that you don’t leave behind ashes
  • Quiet growth comes in nurturing environments
  • We can make things too complicated
  • Recognize the treasure of simplicity
  • We draw nourishment from where we are planted
  • Be a sponge to support good things
  • Draw upon God each day and night

Charlotte-Anne Allen

July 18, 2026

Grumble, Rumble, Roar


What’s this we hear
A grumbling, grumbling?
Discontent or distant announcing?

Feel the stillness
Rustles now silent
Breath intaken
Coming, coming

Rumble, rumble
Drawing ever nearer
What’s this darkness that we see?

Rearing up
Its mighty head
Boughs shaking
Now in dread

Mighty dragon
Roaring, roaring
Exuberant and free?

Gusty power touching
Dark and light entwining
Torrents descending
Earth eagerly quaffing

Awesome presence
Enfolding encouraging
Moves on ‘mid curious peeps
… And refreshed souls

Charlotte-Anne Allen