Nature

September 6, 2025

Cloud Speak


Portents of things to come
Stormy sky and pouring rain
Fair weather cotton balls
Gray blanket for a drizzly day

Look about and heed
What do we form for all to see
Sailing high above in swift retreat
Or gusting words to rush about

What times for lifting energizing
Beauty flashing midst struggles deep
Washing sometimes roaring
In our own smallness soaring

Do we speak of fairer days
Quietly linger softly calming
Breath in deeply sweet aroma
Welcome refreshment steady supply

Flying floating freely
Sunlight glinting over all
Rest ‘neath such as welcome
With One much greater above all

Charlotte-Anne Allen

June 15, 2025

Reflections on Wood


• From our first sprouting to our final gathering there is much change
• As maturity comes, so develops strength and shape
• The smoothing and rubbing of life’s challenges brings out our character
• We all have the potential for many forms and purposes
• Like mighty trees, so protect and provide cover for the fragile and needy
• Those who nurture others are recognized for compassion
• Building and creating brings satisfaction for work well done
• Inward beauty shines forth with love and care
• Spreading warmth brings comfort and contentment
• Storms often bring loss and uproot or unsettle us
• Hope sprouts slowly sometimes, so tend with care
• Planting, watering, tending, shaping, serving… is purpose
• Draw from the land and bear good fruit with seeds
• God nourishes and makes things grow

Charlotte-Anne Allen

May 25, 2025

Dandelion Wishes


A puff, a blow, and away they go
Dandelion puffballs are a child’s delight

Sunny days, clear skies, and lifted face
Sending wishes floating, lifting, soaring

Bright yellow faces reflecting springs bright sun
Transformed to orbs of wonder, sending hope aloft

What is it we hope for? … Love and family dear
Rising each day to dandelion brightness

Encouragers they are, to ever persevere
Growing where they find themselves

So, send your dandelion wishes
Prayers for beginnings and life

Reaching, stretching, giving
God’s transforming breath

Charlotte-Anne Allen

April 13, 2025

In the Stillness


In the stillness
There comes a calm
A time of quiet contemplation

Storms’ great waves
That crashed with tumult
Chaos, strife, and much distress

Come gather now
As silence deepens
Open to stop, to pause

Find now rest with indrawn breath
Comfort and new direction
Readying both body and mind

Heart now waiting
Ears unstopped
Eyes opened to receive

God with us, Emmanual
In deep compassion
Holds us gently

Heard is our voice
Breath touches pain, anger, fear
In His stillness… find new peace

Hope for each day
Joy in the moment
Faith for life… in His stillness

Charlotte-Anne Allen

Psalm 107:28-30 NIV – “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.“

April 5, 2025

A Breath of Fresh Air


Springtime fresh
Throw open the windows
Greet gentle waft invited in

Lifting spirits
Breathe in deeply
Coolness filling, ever washing

Winter’s dust
Now leave behind
Carried away upon swift wings

Feel its promise
Upon hot, tired face
Calming relaxing clean

Close your eyes
And be encouraged
Listening to spring’s soft sigh

Charlotte-Anne Allen