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
Warm sunshine and soft country breeze
Quiet sunrise with golden rays
Soft laughter and companionship
Gentle, calming… sooths the soul
What this balmy day can share
Lifts the spirits everywhere
Healing salve for body and mind
Fragrant oil and cooling drop
Home and comfort during trying times
Kick off the shoes and breathing deep
Curing unguent for renewal and rest
There is a balm both caring and sweet
Cracked and dry we seek balsam’s touch
Absorbing goodness to now be restored
Kindness reaches out like Gilead’s finest
… Feel God’s ointment sinking in
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Arms open wide to greet the day
Or bow the head against the wind
Uplifted ‘neath the dome of sky
Wait and rise with hands’ sure touch
Bold and strong, it speaks its way
Standing resilient, ever-linked
Connected as in prayer upon firm base
Persisting daily through nature’s pounding
As mountain peaks and volcano cones
Butterfly glides and flower sways
Rocks and tents and stars above
Pyramids solid, constellations shining
Clasping hands in unity
Harmony coming… mind, body, soul
Linger here to make us whole
Past, present, future starting anew
Holy Spirit, Son, and Father …One
Mighty God, great above all else
Set us strong upon our way
– From “Forms Around Us”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
• May we see beauty beyond the outer facade
• True compassion grows and shines from within
• Gathering together can be encouraging and supportive
• There are times when we just need to be alone
• We sometimes emit “offensive odors” in our daily lives
• People can raise a stink when they are unhappy
• The warmth of a sunshiny disposition can draw crowds
• Flying around without thought can cause confusion and crashes
• Applying pressure to situations often results in unpleasant consequences
• Travel can open one’s eyes to many things
• Surround yourself with what is nourishing for both body and mind
• May your words to others be more than annoying buzzing
• Be present for God, who is always present
• God is with us in the deepest darkest crevices and sunniest windows
– From “Reflections from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Memories open time’s album
Eyes wide open upon days’ dawns
Open-shut-open, open-shut-open
Arriving here and then… days gone
In our blinks we pause and see
What has shaped us, has made us be
Light quickly flashing, a momentary gleam
Revealing treasures, struggles, and more
Ah, time’s reward upon it’s trek
Whether quickly upon us or swiftly away
As blink and blink and blink again
Casting off past and gaining new
And so, each day we open a promise
Mindful of time’s precious blinks
Do not let them pass you by
But live and grow and quiet your soul
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The Still Small Voice 