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
• Life’s achievements are like flower clusters growing from tough situations
• Thrive where you are planted, where you find yourself
• A worthy goal is to grow and produce good seed
• Nourish a noble and good heart to make positive results
• Keeping a low profile can help avoid pain and conflict
• Lean on one another, persevere, be tough when needed
• Stars shine out best when surrounded by darkness
• Learn to bend and be flexible when we get stepped on
• Spread out and enjoy the small moments
• Don’t reject something simply because others perceive it as worthless
• May you be encouraged on those days when you feel worn
• When we cling to God we won’t be ground down in defeat
• Take time to be refreshed, especially when in high-traffic areas
• Peace grows from learning yourself and releasing all to God who planted you
From “Reflection from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen 6/15/2024
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
“Come here” we call to the bouncing puppy so full of life, reaching out our sheltering arms and welcoming their companionship.
“Come” is used in so many ways but it always points to recognition! After all, there has to be someone the words are directed to. It speaks to us. “You are here. I see you.”
We share the excitement of discovery or offer support and comfort. When we hear, “Wow, come look at this,” we gather around as our curiosity and interest is piqued. The caring, “come here” of family or friend as they reach with open arms, a hug, or an offer of help is welcome, too.
Jesus’s words encourage us to “come.” “Let the little children come to me,” he said to his disciples. At another time, his compassionate words called all “who are weary and burdened” to come to him (Matthew 19:14 and 11:28). He cares about us when we are struggling and brings us the example of coming as a seeking and trusting child. Sometimes the “come here” can be hard to follow and, like a small child exerting that will for independence, we turn away.
Often for me, that voice is a welcome reminder to run to God’s sheltering arms. When my anxiety swells and overwhelms, God’s voice whispers in my ear, “Come to me. I’m here.” It’s in His presence that I begin to learn the nature of love, obedience, security, and protection in daily life. God’s place of acceptance offers shelter and comfort.
Whether we come as a trusting child or a bounding puppy. Whether we come dragging our feet or unable to rise on our own… stressed, tired, or content, may God draw us ever closer to Him. He sees you, recognizes you, and cherishes you. “Ah, come here.”
Be encouraged.
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Take a moment
Try not to rush it
Breathe and pause
Before you flush it
Conscious thought
In welcome… pray
Create the space
To meet each day
Sweet release
We become aware
That our God
Is everywhere
In His presence
Now rest and reside
Allowing space for God
… Always by His side
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The Still Small Voice 