A thought, a word, an exclamation!
“Blah” we say
When things are crazy…
Or don’t go our way
Some days are “yay”
So bright and fair
Then comes those times
When “blah” is there
Oh, grateful for friends
Who encourage and smile
They stick beside us
Even walk an extra mile
Heed “Frog and Toad”
Accepting and true
There for “yays” and “blahs”
Together in all they do
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Inspired by “Frog and Toad” by Arnold Lobel
Smile and be encouraged!
• Holes can be both helpful and hurtful
• Be mindful of what surrounds the holes in life
• Rich earth yields healthy harvest
• Being accepted and cared for helps fill us
• Emptiness grows with suffering or lack of hope
• Sometimes we feel torn open and lost
• As time goes by, worn out clothing reveals use and life
• Repairs may come slowly and in part
• As a key turns in a keyhole so positive actions can bring much good
• A nurturing home is a refuge and a sheltering burrow
• Small accomplishments are encouraging and fulfilling
• Take notes of the diligent woodpecker seeking food and shelter
• The planting of new things and ideas first requires digging
• A small seed planted yields much through struggles and trials
• When digging and growing, contemplation and prayer are of great importance
• God fills our holes with goodness, purpose, and compassion
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Light’s warmth coaxing new growth to see
Emerging now and bursting forth so free
From winter’s long and dormant hold
Leafy fronds stretching, unfurling so bold
Responding to steady patience and care
Unfolding our leaves and learning to dare
In rich profusion of vibrant greenery
Bring joy to lighten each other’s scenery
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Stars twinkle at end of day
Sleepy “night-night” we might say
Stretch and yawn, now time to rest
When our body’s tired and we’ve done our best
Looking to the sky above
We ponder the day and of God’s love
Softly, deeply settles night’s velvety touch
We release our load to One who cares so much
“Night-night,” the call of one who trusts
Wrapped, comforted, snuggled safe from gusts
Though turbulence seeks to threaten our calm
God’s love and compassion cover us with His balm.
Charlotte-Anne Allen
I see you coming guest and friend
Greeting you now to enter in
Open door and open arms
Welcome now. Be safe from harm
When we comfort others, we offer hope
Hospitality and acceptance to heal and cope
Shining soft light that comes from God
Bears testimony of love with a welcome nod
Charlotte-Anne Allen
“The islanders showed us unusual kindness.
They built a fire and welcomed us all
because it was raining and cold.” Acts 28:2
A hop, a skip, a jump we say
It’s not so very far away
To reach a nearby destination
Rise up and go, no hesitation
Inhale deeply gather and move
Getting started in the groove
Take things slowly enjoy the trip
Cool breeze sunshine and pause for a sip
Embrace life’s riches and rest your mind
Into our moments… treasures to find
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Petals open
Velvet touch
Born from buds
Opening to morn’s light
Scarlet red bloom
Speaks of life and hope
Jesus’ blood freely shed for us
God’s great love
Arose at day’s dawn
Mid sunrise’s soft glow
In power and awe
Opening to new life
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Spinning, turning
In great abandon
Joyful pinwheels
Touched by wind’s breath
Buzzing, humming buttons
Pull and release, pull and release
Gee-haws reversing
With thumbnail’s subtle touch
Whirling, circling
Gazing up and down
What movement
Dancing in a gladsome show
Charlotte-Anne Allen
• What we put into something makes an impact on results
• The things that last are made with care
• Consider what is of greatest value and need in the long run
• Pressures and struggles are relieved through helping hands
• Store up things that build and edify
• There are times to prepare and times to do
• Be caring hands for others
• Hold on to what is right, and just, and pure
• Preserve the positive and dispose of harmful
• Put a lid on harmful ugly words
• Cracks in character lead to certain breakage
• To avoid confusion, be clear in all communication
• Moments of joy are treasures to hold
• God is always open for those who come to Him
Charlotte-Anne Allen
A blink
A nod
Now time has passed
A glimpse
On screen
A lightning flash
A feathered wing
A wind-blown leaf
And another day gone by
Thankful days
Wishful dreams
Riding upon light moving steps
Or perhaps
A whispered sigh
Of love and mourning and rest
Sit back now
And cast your eye
On shady porch or sunny vale
Precious moments
Quiet and still, fast and racing
Of God and faith, all beauty… in a flicker
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The Still Small Voice 