Stretching, reaching, open wide
Life indrawing for this ride
New day’s rising now begin
Or coming rest from what has been
Breathing deeply, seeking, filling
Widen eyes and bring some healing
Close your eyes; release the stress
Prayers now for God to bless
Awaking thoughts now seek with might
Looking, wondering to the Light
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Gather now on mountain’s slope
Valley’s vista spread before
In-drawn breath to pause with hope
As sun’s slow rising opens its door.
Growing light quietly warming soft shade
Twinkling touch wakes window pane
Time whispering flowing across glade
Marvel, marvel… strength to gain
Joy-finder mid chaos and fear
Children, laughter, friend, and smile
Elder’s touch and calm wisdom here
Life in full to walk a while
Look and see inside our heart
And for true peace this day embrace
Doubt or grief, new life or start
Another year we lift our face
God reaches out and gathers us up
Opens eyes and ears to know He’s there
… He invites us in with Him to sup
Joy-bringer to joy-finder within His care
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Calm and relaxing
Of black and white blends
In offering serenity
Peace it extends
Neutral but practical
It’s in middle ground
Dampening like fog
Bringing stillness, now found
A loner and introvert
Well-meaning and serious
So elegant, insightful
Yet thoughtful… mysterious
This good companion is
One close by… Quiet gray
From “On Colors”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Bold and strong
Or weak and trembling
… yet we stand
On solid rock
We will not fall, so
Watch for sand and gravel
One step we take
And then another
Daily onward in prayer and faith
Stepping forth
We’re not alone
… Guided by God’s sure hand
Charlotte-Anne Allen
“In fullness,” now what does that mean,
When busy or stressed and a way is not seen?
Of God, of time, on earth to show
He comes to us so that we can know
Filled through Christ, God’s Son
In awe and humility before Mighty One
Wholeness, abundance in what really counts
Overflowing through grace in generous amounts
Tired souls can then begin to sing
Fullness in all and everything
Completeness satisfies our yearning
Filled to capacity, overflowing… we’re learning
This is life, breathing that goodness
Living daily in His fullness
Ephesians 3:19; 1:22
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Pure and serene
Bringing peace of mind
Starshine through darkness
Healing will we find
A mystery it speaks
And mirror to one’s soul
Encouraging discovery
Examining the whole
Prosperity and success
Value and gain
Resolving conflict
Diminishing pain
Full and rich, it brings well-being
As the light of God… is smooth silver
From “On Colors”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
For thoughtful words
Help through a day
Show gratia grace
It is a good way
Expressing thankfulness
Fills up our cup
Appreciation
Cheers all of us up
Quiet presence
When we are grieved
Generosity sooths a soul
Is gratefully received
For kindness whether
Things are good or tough
Finding contentment
In having sufficient… enough
Such pleasing gratitude
From “My Words to Live By”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The sun rises and we greet the day
To dread or cheer along the way
What this we think, we look, we see
Of how we’ll live and how we’ll be
As light shines now bright and clear
Or through fog and cloud, from One so dear
To warm the heart and fortify our bone
Lift our faces…We are not alone
A promise renew and peace lift up
For strength and joy to fill our cup
We thank you God for your love and care
For this new day, with us everywhere
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Hello, I see you
Standing there
Unsure and shy
Face full of care
Peeking from
A lowered head
Ready to run if
Unkind words are said
I pause and smile
Speak with gentle voice
Offer kindness and love
It is a good choice
A timid step forward
To a welcome… receive
Now quiet touch
Acceptance believe
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Do we take notice
Or feel a need?
To seek, to sense,
To understand
Not always so simple
Like looking through fog
A lighthouse shining
Will help us see
Recognize goodness
and our own straying ways
Distinguish, discriminate
Discern
-From “My Words to Live By”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The Still Small Voice 