Lightning flash, sizzle, bright
Such great brilliance can give a fright
Thunder crash, rumble, roar
But in my home I am secure
Trees swaying in the wind
Shaking, thrashing… how they bend
A plop, a drop, approaching rush
Ever harder pounding in a mighty gush
Sun chased… Obscured by clouds of gray
Summer storms cool a hot, humid day
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Rain forming in a cloud
Joining with each other
Ingredients in today’s dish
Blending, mixing until just right
Special people surrounding us
To laugh and cry together
A furry companion by my side
Happy and contented
Child cuddled close and warm
For comfort and laughter too
Words upon a page a line
Bringing forth new meaning
Forming, gathering, making
Bringing all together
Wondrous in creation
God always by me… with me
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Humming busily
Zooming to-and-fro
Waggle dances
For treasures to show
Sweetness of nectar
Rich and fine
Heading there
Now make a beeline!
Workers buzzing
Warm and sunny
Bringing life
With golden honey
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Moving forward
Slowly, steadily
As boats navigate
And butterflies migrate
Forge now ahead
Times a changing
Storms grasp
Tossed and tumbling
Sun rising, rays golden
Gently rolling on, softly lifting
Crystal clear blue depths
Or reefs raising grasping fingers
As a skilled smith creates their craft
So does God forge us carefully, beautifully
Through mist and fog, churning and stillness
Fresh and real… in his loving and mighty ways
Charlotte-Anne Allen
In daily things there’s much to see
Contentment found in great and small
Let not joy trickle from your hand
But hold it carefully to your heart
To know fulfillment, examine within
Your thoughts and expectations
In prayer we find our greatest treasure
Love is the key to fulfillment.
Charlotte-Anne Allen
• From our first sprouting to our final gathering there is much change
• As maturity comes, so develops strength and shape
• The smoothing and rubbing of life’s challenges brings out our character
• We all have the potential for many forms and purposes
• Like mighty trees, so protect and provide cover for the fragile and needy
• Those who nurture others are recognized for compassion
• Building and creating brings satisfaction for work well done
• Inward beauty shines forth with love and care
• Spreading warmth brings comfort and contentment
• Storms often bring loss and uproot or unsettle us
• Hope sprouts slowly sometimes, so tend with care
• Planting, watering, tending, shaping, serving… is purpose
• Draw from the land and bear good fruit with seeds
• God nourishes and makes things grow
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Springtime dance in a big mudpuddle
What’s this we see darting about?
Tiny black dots in a tenuous home
Splashing rain to replenish
Or welcoming a daily drink
From curious friends
Tadpole legs now kick about
A growing black cloud
in their small world
Nature’s wonder
God’s delight
Pollywog
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Turn it loose
Let it go
At day’s end
Draw quiet breath
Satisfaction
Work is done
Busy minds
Thoughts set aside
Like swirly suds
Swept down the drain
God’s peace to you
Lie down in rest
Charlotte-Anne Allen
A puff, a blow, and away they go
Dandelion puffballs are a child’s delight
Sunny days, clear skies, and lifted face
Sending wishes floating, lifting, soaring
Bright yellow faces reflecting springs bright sun
Transformed to orbs of wonder, sending hope aloft
What is it we hope for? … Love and family dear
Rising each day to dandelion brightness
Encouragers they are, to ever persevere
Growing where they find themselves
So, send your dandelion wishes
Prayers for beginnings and life
Reaching, stretching, giving
God’s transforming breath
Charlotte-Anne Allen
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
The Still Small Voice 