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
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
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
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
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
The Still Small Voice 