calm

August 29, 2026

Between


Much can be said for in “between”
Not here, not there but just so now
It’s in the journey, as we go
Learning, growing, wondering how

We discover here a new better outlook
To walk, to pause, to quietly abide
Gaining perspective where we are found
Misty vales, plains, or vistas wide

Not always content when in “between”
It can be worrisome and most unsettling
So, draw a slow breath and look above
Seek calm, gather peace, to cease fretting

Each day, each moment, is life itself
Time moving, ever turning in this place
And God’s Son who came between
Precious treasure… full of grace

Charlotte-Anne Allen

June 20, 2026

Dew’s Touch


Quiet, calm night
Clear skies soften
As sunrise’s faint shine
Stirs and greets a new day

Cool morning’s breath
Gathering droplets
To touch and moisten
Gentle, life-giving

Magical shining orbs
Settle upon tender grass
And freshened leaves
Rising in silent appreciation

Bare feet welcome
Dew’s cool chill
Refreshed peaceful
Lifting heart and mind

From heaven above
Comes… dew’s touch

Charlotte-Anne Allen

April 25, 2026

Night-Night


Stars twinkle at end of day
Sleepy “night-night” we might say
Stretch and yawn, now time to rest
When our body’s tired and we’ve done our best

Looking to the sky above
We ponder the day and of God’s love
Softly, deeply settles night’s velvety touch
We release our load to One who cares so much

“Night-night,” the call of one who trusts
Wrapped, comforted, snuggled safe from gusts
Though turbulence seeks to threaten our calm
God’s love and compassion cover us with His balm.

Charlotte-Anne Allen

March 1, 2026

Whisper


A whisper of wind to brush the skin
Soothing, cooling, hinting where it’s been

Sweet voice of a bashful child
Exploring, stirring with sunrays mild

Whisper, whisper of things far and near
Places of wonder and people held dear

Hear it sighing, seeking, speaking
Of life now stirring, stretching, peeking

Companion and Maker with us come stay
Mysterious, welcoming… breath of Yahweh

Charlotte-Anne Allen

June 29, 2025

Forge


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

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.“

February 1, 2025

Ripples


Ripples… Ripples spreading across the surface of the water. We kids laugh as we challenge each other to see how far we can skip our rocks, chosen with the greatest care for shape, size, and weight.
… Dad and mom smile as we enjoy our afternoon at the local lake. We race along the shoreline and then gather at the table for our impromptu picnic of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, perhaps with some chips or apples, maybe some pickles, and something for thirsty throats. Thinking of those happy days makes me smile.

My mind travels ahead through our growing years and into adulthood. I think of all the ripples that have been set in motion by each of our lives. All that we have said, done, and thought echo through the waters of time. Through joy and pain, peace and tumult, life and death… new birth grows around us and through us.

And do we live in contentment? May it be so! For there is One greater than us all, who travels with us and looks after us. They are daily reminders of wonder and awe, if we but see it and hear it, listening fully and resting in God’s awesome presence.

I am reminded of Paul’s letter to the Philippians: “…if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things… I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” [Philippians 4:8b, 12b-13]

When discontent churns in me, I have discovered that finding that calm place is a great challenge and sometimes a long road. I cling to God like a young child. His patient love fills me. The psalmist must have had a sense of this as well when he said, “But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.” [Psalm 131:2]

So, from this racing world and anxious hearts… for good or harm, the ripples of our being spread. May we turn to God for quiet, compassionate hearts and lips.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23

Ripples… Ripples spreading across the surface of the water. May God’s light shine.
Be encouraged.

Charlotte-Anne Allen