Ups and downs
And turnarounds
Life can be so twisty
Like summer days
Going carefree or busy
Days warm mornings misty
What will we do
When we look back
At life’s turns and travels?
Rising upon a rainy day
Are we thankful
For life-giving water?
When things don’t go
As we plan or desire
Do we fuss and grouse?
Or do we tip our head
With a thoughtful smile
And wonder at new opportunities?
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Quiet, calm night
Clear skies soften
As sunrise’s faint shine
Stirs and greets a new day
Cool morning’s breath
Gathering droplets
To touch and moisten
Gentle, life-giving
Magical shining orbs
Settle upon tender grass
And freshened leaves
Rising in silent appreciation
Bare feet welcome
Dew’s cool chill
Refreshed peaceful
Lifting heart and mind
From heaven above
Comes… dew’s touch
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Happy music
Pure delight
Bubbling forth
Like a high-flying kite
Mouth full of laughter
Eyes shining so bright
Giggles from the belly
What a joyful sight
Ahh for the joy
For life simple, carefree
Precious moments are holy
And times just … to be
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Filled up
To the brim
Full measure
…Complete
To the top
Not wanting
Nor lacking
…Abounding
God’s Fullness
Wide long
High deep
…Vast
His love
Surpassing
Immeasurable
…Fulfilled
Complete
Abounding
Vast
Fulfilled
Charlotte-Anne Allen
– Ephesians 3:14-21
In the beginning
Goodness was bestowed
Day and night
Time established to grow
Sun for warmth
The heavens for majestic balm
Earth for firm homes
Seas for flowing mystery
Creatures to amaze
Fish, birds, mammals, and more
Plants to sustain and nourish
So good, so good
God chose humankind
How marvelous, humbling
Unique, companion, family
Cared for and loved, His children
Come walk with and serve Him
So good, so very very good
Ah, amazing Creator God
Lord, Almighty One
Father and Daddy
Life giver, Redeemer
Healer, Receiver
His love overflows
Imperfect children
Disbelieving, insecure
Yet trembling seeking
Light shines still
Since our creation
Eternal home
With our Creator God
Beginning
Charlotte-Anne Allen 5/30/2026
Rainy chill and soggy gray
Dampness creeping with the breeze
Flowers huddle swaying wet
Looking askance, at spring’s tease
Where has it gone, our sunny days?
That welcome warmth is replaced with shiver
It will return after earth’s wet kiss
To grow and strengthen such as these
Charlotte-Anne Allen
A thought, a word, an exclamation!
“Blah” we say
When things are crazy…
Or do not 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
The Still Small Voice 