May 18, 2025

What Is It?


What is it?, they said,
as they peered at the ground.
There were thin flakes like frost
shining white all around

What is it, this ‘manna’?
For they did not know
That it was bread of heaven
Food they couldn’t sow

Born of dew
by God’s great hand
It filled their bellies
and gave strength to stand

When we’re in the wilderness
With fear high and hope dim
It’s hard to cease our grumbling
Though in trials we can trust in Him

God is our provision
Daily providing all the stuff
When we gaze and say, What is it?
His manna is enough

Charlotte-Anne Allen

May 10, 2025

I Heard a Chicken


Have you ever heard a chicken laugh?
… Heard it burble with much glee?

What marvelous thoughts do they ponder?
… and what great things to see?

“Ah ha-ha-ha”, now hear them chortle.
… With darting gaze they look about.

Loyal sisters comment, clucking with much delight
… Then run around in confusion, expressing a bit of doubt.

Now the mighty leader loudly calling too
Expressing his opinion… a personal great view

Never a boring day, approached with grin and chuckle
… Sharing chicken laughs with you!

Charlotte-Anne Allen

May 3, 2025

In Seeing and Hearing (A Prayer)


What do I see?
What do I hear?

Are my eyes so blind, though God is near?
Do my ears truly listen to words spoken to me?

Forgive me Lord if that is so.
Help me to follow and to grow.

Open my eyes to see with my heart.
Grant me understanding, doing my part.

In seeing… bring peace.
In hearing… make known.

Bring to fruition
The seeds to be sown.

Charlotte-Anne Allen

April 27, 2025

Wise


What is it to be wise?
How one is known through another’s eyes?

We seek to know, to understand.
Walk this way. Know where to stand.

Look about. Thinking deep.
Listen. Pause. In prayer keep.

In struggles, challenges, our mistakes
We learn and ponder. That’s what it takes.

Wisdom’s example in others, too
It steers us, helps us in all we do.

What’s wise, you say?
See the heart and the whole, this day.

Making choices that lift and heal
Consider all perspectives and how others feel.

Wise, oh wise. Pursue wisdom for life.
It grows from goodness and from strife.

Charlotte-Anne Allen

April 20, 2025

Step, Step


Crunch of feet upon the path
Step, step along the way

One came teaching of God’s great love
Touching, healing, seeing our hearts

Who are you and why this trek?
Travelers with you, by night and day

Crunch, step, crunch, step
Ever closer to Jerusalem’s mount

Needy arms reaching, faces turning
Who do they see and what do we say?

Shout hosanna… then turn and run
King of heaven enters… to give up the Son

Step, step and one final sup
To pray in the garden and offer the cup

Broken body, abandoned alone
Then filled with new light for us at home

Come alongside Him, this Jesus alive…
Who’s lifting us up when we stumble and fall

Step, crunch, step ever closer to that holy mount
… Walking with Him upon the upward path

Charlotte-Anne Allen

April 13, 2025

In the Stillness


In the stillness
There comes a calm
A time of quiet contemplation

Storms’ great waves
That crashed with tumult
Chaos, strife, and much distress

Come gather now
As silence deepens
Open to stop, to pause

Find now rest with indrawn breath
Comfort and new direction
Readying both body and mind

Heart now waiting
Ears unstopped
Eyes opened to receive

God with us, Emmanual
In deep compassion
Holds us gently

Heard is our voice
Breath touches pain, anger, fear
In His stillness… find new peace

Hope for each day
Joy in the moment
Faith for life… in His stillness

Charlotte-Anne Allen

Psalm 107:28-30 NIV – “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.“

April 5, 2025

A Breath of Fresh Air


Springtime fresh
Throw open the windows
Greet gentle waft invited in

Lifting spirits
Breathe in deeply
Coolness filling, ever washing

Winter’s dust
Now leave behind
Carried away upon swift wings

Feel its promise
Upon hot, tired face
Calming relaxing clean

Close your eyes
And be encouraged
Listening to spring’s soft sigh

Charlotte-Anne Allen

March 30, 2025

Reflections on Raisins


• Tend and care for that which is of value
• Work for nourishing results
• Warmth and caring are like the sun’s bright rays
• Positive influences bring out the best in us
• Aim for results that are helpful and usable
• Becoming better at something takes time
• Change comes through life’s experiences
• There are many responses to changes and challenges
• Patience during the process of growth and life is hard
• Sometimes we feel dried up and empty
• Pruning unhealthy thoughts and actions opens doors for grace
• Celebrate often, noticing the big and small fruits
• Stay connected to the Vine for health and strength
• God is our source, bringing forth the best in us

Charlotte-Anne Allen

March 16, 2025

Dribble


Sometimes life seems to dribble
A little splash or drop

Things can move so slowly
Or almost seem to stop

But then I look around me
Set impatience to the side

I’m reminded to ‘rest easy’
And in one great God abide

Slower times are oh so needed
Take a moment and see the view

Time to think or reconsider
Being thankful for what is true

In those quiet little trickles
There is mighty work at hand

In each day find contentment
Knowing God does understand

Charlotte-Anne Allen