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
Glowing hot
Beneath the ashes
Smoldering there
Pondering, waiting
Guard it well
With wisdom and care
A thought to encourage
Is goodness there?
Look now for warmth
For deep compassion
In flame’s sparking
Bring not destruction
What is kind
And wholesome true
Will guide the calling
To know what to do.
Embers resting
Beneath the ashes
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
Look ahead to what is needed
What may be coming and should be heeded?
Be it home or work or play
What will be done by end of day?
Now, do not stress, for we can make do
But acting wisely is important too
If notes are needed, then jot them down
Put on a smile and do not frown
Not caught up with worry and in a big rush
Take time to see beauty, open ears, and hush
Then do your best and show you have cared
Draw a breath, take one step, and as able… be prepared
Charlotte-Anne Allen
A childhood game of joy and fun
Reaching out to touch someone
…Can call to mind on any day
Of what we do and what we say
Are we choosing to extend a smile
To be courteous and go that “extra mile”?
…Social media says, “Look at me”
Consider now just what we see
Whether in passing or sharing deep
This world around us, may God keep
Value each other, recognized, known
Let’s tag someone… We’re not alone
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Softly spoken
Words in care
Music drifting
In the air
Beaming face
And tender touch
Reaching out
Is not too much
Spread some joy
In this new year
Share some laughter
And good cheer
Charlotte-Anne Allen
God’s gentle touch be with us here
In those moments that we so fear
His strong warm hands to hold us tight
God keeps us always in His sight
A love so strong and so true for all
He whispers encouragement when we call
Lifting you up in prayer each day
To our awesome Lord our troubles we lay
Oh, joyful Light that shines always
Fill our hearts and lend strength to our days
Charlotte-Anne Allen
What is it then? What can I say?
About those dirty dishes from the day
Scattered round my kitchen sink
I need to wash them before they stink
As that nice hot water comes pouring out
They’ll be clean in a jiffy and no more lying about
I stack in the plates and utensils too
Suds are building and that will do
A swish and a wipe until that part’s done
Rinsing them off each and every one
Pile in the pots and don’t forget the pan
Scrub them well, as best you can
It’s not a chore, I will confide
As I dry them off or lay them aside
These dirty dishes are a gift God’s given
For they speak of His care and daily provision
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Cool as light from a sparkling moon
Stretching out to silent earth
Gleaming softly smooth to touch
Shiny brightly attracting the eyes
A treasure keeper carefully shaped
Drawn from within… and precious
Awaiting master’s touch
… tested and refined
Servant heart freely given
Purely silver
– From “Of the Earth”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
We lift our faces to sun’s warm glow
On summer day or winter’s snow
To lips we bring in welcome cheer
food and drink to nourish us here
A child we hold in tender care
Holding closely to see them there
Picking up each other too
Showing our care and being true
We lift our prayers; we lift our eyes
To One who knows and is most wise
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The Still Small Voice 