In time of need
Pain sorrow loss
Console Encourage
Lighten the load
Love’s touch
Steady and true
Faithful presence
Comfort
From “My Words to Live By” c-a allen
Poetry
Fret
Oh Lord, when I worry
And my world is spinning ‘round
Please cease the racing spirals
That try to make me fall
I know You say to trust You
That in troubles I’m not alone
But like great gobbling monsters
They rise to tear me down
So, Lord, when I worry
When I fret that all’s not well
Please touch me with your presence
And strike those monsters down
Remind me just to trust You
Discover calm amidst those storms
For in Your quiet presence
There’s strength to carry on
In the Quiet of Your Presence
Photo by Kathy Owen
Grand Tetons
In the quiet of your presence
Come sit with me
My companion
During loss and distress
Pain anger despair
In the quiet of your presence
The touch of your hand
A welcoming shoulder
For tears grief
For memories laughter
In the quiet of your presence
Great storms tumult
And pounding waves
In fear anguish
Drawn to your haven
In the quiet of your presence
Oh whys and what nows
No and no and no
Reef of danger or
Rock of safety
In the quiet of your presence
Blessed stillness
Washed
By shared tears
Battered and worn
In the quiet of your presence
Oh God!
Hold me
For I am bereft
Cold lost alone
Resting
In the quiet of your presence
Love
Self outpoured
Heart’s companion
Gentle touch to
Heal soul’s hurts
Deed’s seed
Gift given
Comfort’s home
Life shared
From “My Words to Live By” c-a allen
OF… Nature’s Gift
Oh, nature’s gift.
Of meadows and bees and song and breeze
Of mount and sky and clouds against blue
Of gurgling streams and splashes and cool
Of rustles and song and rattles and tread
Of wonder and creation
from “OF… Songs of Life” – Charlotte-Anne Allen
Compassion
Care for others
Deep concern
Love without judgment
Sympathy for trials
Reach out Give help
To one another
Live true Live full
Compassion
From “My Words to Live By” c-a allen
New Year’s Dawn
Northwind chill and bundled frame
Speaks of New Year’s coming dawn
Sunlight bright or blowing snow
Quiet breath catches in anticipation
Laugh of children and calls to come
Homemade soup to warm one’s bones
Barking dogs or honk of horns
Season’s tide begins to turn
Twilight’s glitter and dark’s bright star
Contemplation of time now past
Frosty morn and day’s cold rise
Hope’s dream and New Year born
JOY
Joy, joy
Rejoice and be glad
Hearts full, sing praise
Assured and comforted
Good tidings, Emmanuel
Joy
From “My Words to Live By” c-a allen
Christmastide Journey
Zechariah and Elizabeth upon the path
To them came joyful word
Rejoice, a son to fill their lives
Messenger to prepare the way
Mary and Joseph lead by God
Angel-greeted, faithful, and true
Rejoice, rejoice Messiah to come
Emmanuel, God is with us
Through Nazareth and Judean hills
Arrived at lowly stable
Rejoice, Bethlehem to see the child
Angel-announced and shepherd-followed
From eastern lands the wise men traveled
Followed a shining star of hope
Rejoice, rejoice a king is born
Gifts offered to humble home
To Egypt now, as former time
Now flee, oh flee far from
Earthly king blinded to good news
The story will continue
Jerusalem upon the mountain
Journey on, journey true
Rejoice, oh people of faith
Step now, for Christmastide
Faithful comes a mighty God
Light shines to show the way
Place of shelter, gift of grace
Worship now… upon this Christmastide journey
ENCOURAGE
In word and deed Support
Give hope
Join together Unite
Motivate each other
Thoughtful words Belief
Bring confidence ‘mid doubts
Through life Inspire
Encourage
From “My Words to Live By” c-a allen
The Still Small Voice 