November 16, 2025

Clanging Cymbals


Clanging cymbals, loud and rude
Turning heads where we stood
Noisy gongs now awaken
Ending rest that we have taken

Clashing shaking now vibrating
Look at me, they seem to say
At all I know, or have, or do
… Is all for show and our own way?

Where is joy?
Where’s faith and hope?
If in all of these it’s just for gain
As, looking within us, …our hearts are vain

God, help us together as we pray
Dispel the clamor as we seek the way
A decision each day to lift and care
To offer love’s great gift … Nothing will compare

Charlotte-Anne Allen
1 Corinthians 13

November 1, 2025

Lightly


Lightly breaths the freshening air
Softly lifting sweeping strands of hair

Lightly speaks a sleepy songbird
As morning rays spread glowing fingers

Gentle rabbit ever slowly and lightly hops
Upon bedewed blades sparkling in sun’s touch

Sighing and yawning world slowly awakes
Stepping lightly and looking upon day’s dawn

Lightly now we gaze upon earth’s glory
Pausing amid our to-and-fro and breathing deeply

Treasured moments to renew and strengthen
Welcome gift of peace from our Creator God

Charlotte-Anne Allen

October 25, 2025

Sunshine Upon Closed Eyes


Sunshine upon closed eyes
Lit by autumn’s cool glow
Upon thankful heads
Leaning to lingering warmth

Frosty nip at early morning’s dawn
Nature’s announcer of shifting seasons
Step lightly now and breath crisp chill
Growing nuances of more to come

And so, I dream of summer gone
Walking, playing, working, moving
Mindful of the new and the old
Life’s cycles and curiosity piqued

So, we shall live
One step at a time
Ever remembering and
Ever looking forward … in God’s great plan

Charlotte-Anne Allen

October 4, 2025

Fruitful Harvest


Possibilities and hopes
Looking forward
For what may be
Though yet unknown

Time to grow
With soil and sun
Roots now seeking
Nourishment and place

Stretching can be so disquieting
Challenges to thought
Fragile buds bathed
… in grace

God’s light shine
Upon our face
Sweet rich soil
We embrace

To till and tend
To weed and water
For fruitful harvest
By His hands

Charlotte-Anne Allen

September 28, 2025

Cool


Refreshing
Mist upon my face
Soft wind sighing
Chasing away day’s heat

Ice cream
Sliding down my throat
Cool water
Splashes upon warm skin

Bare feet
On a chilly morn
Soft pillow
Beneath my head

Cool hand
Soothing weepy child
Breath of fresh air
In early morning light

Bring with these
Cool’s restful thoughts
Life and love
God’s gentle presence

Charlotte-Anne Allen

September 21, 2025

Reflections on Mush

  • Life’s simple things bring greatest satisfaction
  • Great ideas can come from unlikely looking sources
  • Kind words spread warmth and encouragement
  • Well-intended and communicated ideas are more easily swallowed
  • Patience and attention are needed for positive outcomes
  • Allow things to set for clearer ways to proceed
  • It is not the amount of words spoken that matter most
  • Choose your ingredients with care before use
  • Stirring often inspires greater kindness
  • A pinch of salt brings greater savor
  • When all is overwhelming, turn down the heat
  • There is great value in versatility and helpfulness
  • Thoughtful acts add sweetness to life
  • Life’s flavor and nourishment are found in our Creator

Charlotte-Anne Allen