I love an old adage
From friends tried and true
If ever there’s too much
to think about and to do
“Don’t fret about it…”
Worrying constantly
and tied in a wad
To be anxious is wearing
A devouring monster
Who seeks to consume
Hear words of comfort
Life’s seasons all pass
There much to give thanks for
Let it go, “Now don’t fret!”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Pointing, reaching, bright and clear
Shining for all folks far and near
Lights in the sky showing the way
Touching us gently after setting of day
Revealed by the dark
They twinkle, wink, and sparkle
Peeking through night’s clouds
And glimpsed through swaying trees
Starry light, you’ve traveled so far
Wonder inspiring and God revealing
Calming, warning, guiding, lifting
Touching us lightly with cooling beams
Set in the vault of the sky
God-spoken… for humanity woken
Starshine’s glow in universe’s vastness
Leading us to truth and hope
Not to blindly stumble or in darkness grope
Shine on, shine on… revealing God’s face
A star to bring us to His place
– From “Forms Around Us”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Splashing water on a hot day
Splash of bright color to cheer
Splashing your face to refresh and clean
A splash a dash of spice to savor
Splashing encouraging words to hear
A splash a flash smiling face to cheer
We all need a splash to give and receive
A day with a splash is one we all favor!
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Awe inspiring, mighty, and grand
Look now on infinity’s vastness
Ponder greatness, power, and mystery
Wondrous beauty in all God’s creation
Nature’s grandeur breathtaking splendor
With outstretched arms we scarce take it in
Mountain high, brilliant sky, rolling ocean,
Canyons broad… reflections of our sovereign God
How can we stand before our Creator’s majesty?
… In quiet reverence or with voices lifted in praise
From “My Words to Live By”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Velvety night calms and sooths
Softly touching after day’s turn
Star lights twinkle …are peeking
Through wisps of drifting clouds
Summer’s warmth lingers
Slowly giving way to cool surrender
Night creatures call out …now seeking
Distant and mournful, or sharply alerting
And so, we draw breath in and out
Somehow more finely tuned to body and earth
Filled and quietly resting …not speaking
Bathed in moon’s soft shine
Velvety night brings comfort
Contemplating, in God’s calm presence
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Whirly whirly, giddy giddy
Spinning ‘round til you are dizzy
Childhood joys for young and old
Loving life’s sunshine is pure gold
When feeling gloomy or out-of-place
Lift your head for a smiling face
Ripples of encouragement to all
Joyful light… we welcome its call
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Tiny ember flares to life
Nurture tenderly through joy and strife
Watching, waiting, seeking
Curious eyes now peeking
Thinking, trying, glowing
Enthusiasm growing
Small and fiery from the ashes
Newfound insight rises, flashes
Brightly shining to banish the dark
Growing from one small spark
Charlotte-Anne Allen
In times of hardship, stand up determined
Pluck and spirit, firmness of mind
Stick to it… Be resolute
Firm-jawed, with a purpose
Preserve solid character and moral fiber
Choosing to persevere, to carry one through
Rely on the Mighty, the True, and the Faithful
God grant us courage, strength, and resolve
… Grit
Charlotte-Anne Allen 6/1/2024
From “Words of Interest”
Standing, resolved to do its best
Straight and strong, long enduring
Awakening to life in misty solitude
Growing, stretching out and up
A landmark clear, upon a hill
Withstanding storm and seasons drear
Rooted, solid, drawing us, too
A sign of peace for one and all
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Oh God, sometimes it’s hard to “still”
To seek, to listen… trusting Your will
Guide me in Your steps today
Ever in Your presence stay
Set my feet firmly on the rock
Not slipping sliding… “on my clock”
All anxious thoughts, please set aside
Draw me, calm me… in You abide
When I feel the sun and smell the rain
Hear joyful laughter and smile again
I’m thankful God
… in Your stillness
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The Still Small Voice 