With what prudence, you now say,
Do we live our lives from day to day?!
Give thought give thought
Give thought to your ways
Using good judgment is common sense
…Listen, listen to sound instruction
Gaining wisdom and discernment
From the heart actions will arise
As prudence speaks, do right and justly
Consider knowledge and instruct with care
Refrain from haste before lips fly
And when we fall, for we all do,
We in our prudence welcome God
– From “My Words to Live By”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Green speaks of living things
Renewing, filling… growing from
Vibrant color cool with dew
Verdant pastures beckon, “come”
Of health and wealth some would seek
But beware the green of envy now!
And when the stomach heaves and surges
A greenish face will take a bow
But do not fret upon your way
In life comes hope with thoughtful shifting
From deserts spring the green of life
Shining glistening, shoots uplifting
Breathe slowly deeply and feel things ease
Surrounded by some calming green
from “Of Colors” – Charlotte-Anne Allen
Barefoot days
Shorts and T’s
Cool clear water
Garden fresh veggies
Warmth for body
Sun’s rays heating
Fans blowing, shade cooling
Welcome breezes stirring
Birds calling, dogs barking
Yard mowing, weed pulling
Storms rolling, rain falling
Golden sun rays, moist woods
Early morning and evening’s chill
Dew’s sparkle and quiet hush
Life and faith one day at a time
Summer’s rhythm speaks of contentment
As a fire in the bones
Crashing waves of the ocean
Roaring wind announcing coming storm
Or bubbles soaring shimmering rising sinking
Rainbow colors that shine their joy
Leaving smiles in their wake
So then do we
Release bring forth
Words poured upon our souls
As wind and wave
With great passion and strength
To uplift encourage challenge share hope
Or as softly soaring spheres
Swinging low and rising up again
Inspiring contemplation communion healing
Guided by our Creator’s touch
Warning touch and growing rumble
Feel it building coming coming
Welcome respite or call for shelter?
Jarring one from settled niche
These drops intruders in our day
… A sigh a chuckle as we retreat?
What do they say of grief or toil
As waters surge and tumble by?
Pale countenance sinking down
Or head uplifted to cool embrace?
Built up dirt and grime release
Muddy churning wash away!
Letting it go, now light and free
Cleansing. Revealing… sparkling stones
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Upon this earth we leave our mark
Our steps upon its mantle
What do they say about us though?
What stories do they share?
They speak of joy in simple pleasures
Like playful children we jump and twirl
Gentle tiptoes expressing love
Angry stomping voicing pain
Striding forward on our own
Or strolling companionably arm-in-arm
A footprint left now clear and firm
Speaks of wisdom skill or knowledge
Those scuff marks left as we drag our feet
Signs of struggles or despair
As determined toddlers do we rise again
…learning growing trying the new?
What do we see as we view our ways?
Steps and steps upon the trail
Charlotte-Anne Allen
I wrote this poem several years ago. It is still so applicable to us each day …
a call, a remembrance, a celebration, an affirmation of God’s Spirit and love for us.
May it bring us peace and hope.
Surround us, oh Lord
Guardian protector Father
Wrap us in Your holiness
Surround us, oh Lord
Strong sure eternal
Surround us, oh Lord
Refresh renew restore
Nourished by Your Spirit
Surround us, oh Lord
To grow in wisdom and stature
Surround us, oh Lord
Great One mighty and present
Strong and sure deliverer
Surround us, oh Lord
That we too may stand
Surround us, oh Lord
Wrapped in Your breath
Sustained and filled
Surround us, oh Lord
Satisfier of our souls
Surround us, oh Lord
Our firm foundation
Shield and defender
Surround us, oh Lord
With the cloud of Your being
Surround us, oh Lord
Your comforting presence
Banish our fear
Surround us, oh Lord
Abba Father and King
——————————————————————————————————-
Thanks to God, who surrounds us each day
“May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.”
Psalm 33:22
– Charlotte-Anne Allen
When in the boat and on the way
Do storm clouds strive to lure us away?
Or climbing trails as we then go
Enticing side paths beckon so?
Perhaps in strolling through the mall
Let’s grab the grand and ditch the small?
When at my place reclining at last
Has a chance to serve come… and passed?
Eyes travel to what’s not mine
Make excuses that it’s just fine?
To follow desire when the time’s all wrong
Will there be regrets before too long?
Ears listening to words of spite or strife
What does that do to encourage life?
Fling the door open to invite
Help from God to shine the Light
Temptation scatters as He brings the best
Strength to overcome and then to rest.
Hebrews 4:14-16
Tiny frond
Essence of spring …Safe
In its underground seclusion
Stirs within warming abode
Tight coil
Slowly stretching… Pushing
Through covering protective layers
Awakened from winters slumber
Fiddleheads
In feathery company… Emerging
Adding beauty to moist shade
Tucked among woodland passes
And so do we also
Stretch and reach to warming light
Gather strength and determination
Draw nourishment… Unfurl
The Still Small Voice 