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
For an excellent meal, now leave no crumbs
A testament of preparation well done
Consumed with great appreciation
Coming together after contemplation
Now evidence of great worth and clout
We see crumbs that brought much help about
Good news perhaps or spoken words
As a symphony of music from joyous birds
Come together generously with our crumbs
Sharing, offering, giving whatever sums
Our bread, our cake, all morsels humbly given
Bring strength and encouragement for all the living
Charlotte-Anne Allen
We search to know
And want to grow
To do the right things
Whatever life brings
How do we back a fact?
Make sure the source is accurate
The real, the truth
Now that is sooth
When we don’t know how
In the here and now
God sees that which is
Know that we are His
We behold this creation vast
Knowing little of future or past
Only God who carries us through
To show love and kindness in what we do
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
All creatures
Great and small
Created by God’s own hand
Looking now upon tender child
So too at wisdom’s touch
And silvered hair
Life’s stories
Like a swirl
Of colors
Shadowed depths and
Golden sunrise sunset
Upon us all
So beams His Light
Pray, fall gently
Upon unseeing eyes
To warm hearts
Breath life
Grant sight
Bring healing
Speak joy
We give praise
Charlotte-Anne Allen 1/10/2026
Maker, Creator
Lord God Almighty
Powerful, Omnipotent
Redeemer most Sovereign
Savior and friend
Merciful forgiver
Loving Father of life
Adonai, our great ruler
When in doubt, you offer faith
When afraid, you bring comfort
All-knowing omniscient
Seeing me true
Bringer of hope
Joy even in sorrow
Lifting us up
For every tomorrow
Charlotte-Anne Allen 12/27/2025
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
Softly falls the drifting snow
Harmonic music lifts and inspires
Quiet presence in time of need
A sleeping child held gently close
Softly touches the cooling breeze
A warming blanket snuggled close
Comforting touch conveying compassion
Misty rain’s light kiss in early morn
Softly comes the light tread of feet
Loving gaze to empathize
Wafting aroma of a simmering meal
Whispered words in hushed voice
Trusting animal’s light kiss
Golden glow of rising sun
Twinkling stars ‘midst clear dark night
Softly embraces our God’s mighty arms
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Crunch
Crackle
Swish
Rattle
Leaves shaken from restless limbs
Roar
Rumble
Screech
Hum
Noisy leaf blowers make a job go quickly
Laughter
Shouts
Calls
Screams
Voices calling for favorite sport teams
Whisper
Sigh
Rustle
Swoosh
Soft breezes usher in winter’s nip
Season’s shifting
Night’s chilling
Sun’s glint sparkling
Cool air carries
…Sounds of Autumn
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Clanging cymbals, loud and rude
Turning heads where we stood
Noisy gongs now awaken
Ending rest that we have taken
Clashing shaking now vibrating
Look at me, they seem to say
At all I know, or have, or do
… Is all for show and our own way?
Where is joy?
Where’s faith and hope?
If in all of these it’s just for gain
As, looking within us, …our hearts are vain
God, help us together as we pray
Dispel the clamor as we seek the way
A decision each day to lift and care
To offer love’s great gift … Nothing will compare
Charlotte-Anne Allen
1 Corinthians 13
The Still Small Voice 