Thoughts and reflections on us as people with much in common.
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!
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
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
Hey Bud
Poking your tender head
Above soil’s chill grasp
A reflection of sun’s glow
Shining golden in delight
Proud challenge to winter’s hold
Hey Bud
Bringing hope and promise
To an earth held in its tight grasp
Welcome life
Hidden among brown leaves
Rising forth… resolute in faith
Charlotte-Anne Allen
I need the sun
It’s shining face
To light my day
And brighten the place
Breaking forth through clouds
Sun’s sparkle and cheer
Clears away mind’s shrouds
Lifts my spirits here
Though rainy days
Can bring needed calm
Sun’s welcome shine
Is a much-needed balm
Charlotte-Anne Allen
• Things that are hard can both protect and crack
• Our lives are like icebergs, holding much beneath the surface
• Change, whether slow or rapid, requires many adjustments
• The support of others covers many difficulties
• Use caution when navigating slippery situations
• Calmness can be cool and refreshing when things get hot
• A heated temper needs space and time to cool down
• A cold heart is an unhappy heart
• We can become numbed through adverse conditions
• Preservation of positive character helps bring and maintain lasting relationships
• Like people, frozen water comes in many forms and varieties
• Homes are formed in our very diversity… we penguins, polar bears, and seals
• Refractions through these prisms bring forth amazing results
• The shining Light of God displays beauty within
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Glowing hot
Beneath the ashes
Smoldering there
Pondering, waiting
Guard it well
With wisdom and care
A thought to encourage
Is goodness there?
Look now for warmth
For deep compassion
In flame’s sparking
Bring not destruction
What is kind
And wholesome true
Will guide the calling
To know what to do.
Embers resting
Beneath the ashes
Charlotte-Anne Allen
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
The Still Small Voice 