–
Caught within a glowing orb
Time remembers
Of life and movement
Growth and endings
Enfolded in days past
And brought forth revealed
Its beauty seen
Reflecting on things long gone,
Clarity of today, and future bright
… Miracles of creation
So, we too follow God’s Light
His presence with us always.
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Clean and inviting
Washed, fresh, and pure
It is what you see
Real, genuine, and sure
Peaceful and good
Full of beauty and grace
An uplifting spirit
And encouraging face
Forgiveness, acceptance
Yields hope and builds might
Shining like snow
To the darkness… brings light
Combining all colors
… from God is true white
From “On Colors”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
In rising wind and slashing rain
Storm breaking, pounding, roaring
Trees do dance… They break and tremble
Whipped by nature’s grasping breath
Do we yet cower… or stand in awe?
We in our weakness before God’s might
Surrendered to those cleansing waters
Breathing in His freshening wind
Look now… A Light is shining
Glowing, filling, warming…
Ever speaking of storm passing
Securely held in its wake
Charlotte-Anne Allen
To speak and to listen
With heart and mind
Daily companionship
With a close friend
Oh, faithful hearer
When I doubt
My strong supporter
Strength and guide
Through every moment
God’s presence here
Prayer
From “My Words to Live By”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Quiet heart for listening.
Quiet heart for receiving.
Quiet heart for knowing joy,
Amidst life’s turns and twists.
Quiet heart for peace.
Quiet heart for love.
Quiet heart for knowing God,
Ever by our side.
Quiet heart for one.
Quiet heart for all.
Quiet heart for we are His,
Children in His care.
May God grant us quiet hearts,
Knowing this great truth.
Secure and comforted day by day,
Abiding in His arms.
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Shining, glistening
At dawns light touch
Life to drink
And hope inspire
Living water drawn
From God’s deep well
Drops to wash away life’s care
To touch those now upon one’s face
Cleansed washed renewed
As rainbow’s promise
Another day and year’s passing
New beginnings made possible
Through precious drops
Of Christ who gave his all
Shining, glistening still
At star’s bright light
Charlotte-Anne Allen 12/31/2022
On a silent night
Near the little town of Bethlehem,
While shepherds watched their flocks,
There came something wonderful upon a midnight clear.
The shepherds heard angels on high.
Hark! These herald angels were singing
Hallelujah and
Joy to the world!
Away in the manger
What child is this we see?! Jesus Christ!
This baby born in a stable! We are still astonished.
What a holy night that was!
He was the promised star, come out of Jacob.
A gift from God. Now what is the gift we can bring?
The three kings were wise men who recognized who Jesus was.
The little drummer boy knew the greatest of gifts.
Mary did you know what was to come,
You who gave yourself to God and cared for this boy child?
God rest all people, merry gentlemen and joyful ones.
Hear tidings of comfort and joy! Jesus loves us.
… Born this Christmas night!
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Carols, cantatas, and choirs… Oh, my!
It’s that special time of year
The sound of music fills the air
Of voices and brass and string
Candlelight now softly shining
Red bows and green wreaths displayed
Stories recited and children excited
Games to play and words to sing
Rest from work, busy preparation
Traditions make the season special
Quiet moments for thought and prayer
Love offered and gifts to bring
Times to treasure and remember
Uplift, renew, be of goodwill
In community we worship God
May peace, hope, and joy now ring
– Charlotte-Anne Allen
Purple both inspires and calms
Bringing warmth and thought
A vibrant hue and pleasing blend
…Of blue and red companions wrought
Riches and honor it may imply
Of royalty and favor
But of vain arrogance be warned
Be uplifting and do not waver
Creative insightful encouraging too
Brave of heart and valued worth
Of majesty so rich and true
And one small child of manger birth
Our heavenly King who came to us
To give Himself …now robed in purple
From “On Colors”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
We labor here; there’s work to do
To earn a living from day to day
The satisfaction of a job that’s done
In times of harvest and of gathering in
In faithful service we labor and reap
And offer thanks for the work of our hands
Establish now, God; please bless and favor
… Our toil is our worship to God who provides
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The Still Small Voice 