Breaking news has come to light
Bright star shining in the night
Bringing words of great import
… As foretold in prior report
Delivered by angelic messengers this day
Telling shepherds where this King child lay
Scholars take notice, a trip to prepare
Come all you seekers to welcome him there
Join him in the manger stall
This Christ child come, for us all
Breaking news! Listen and be glad!
Love so vast through a little lad
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Refreshing
Mist upon my face
Soft wind sighing
Chasing away day’s heat
Ice cream
Sliding down my throat
Cool water
Splashes upon warm skin
Bare feet
On a chilly morn
Soft pillow
Beneath my head
Cool hand
Soothing weepy child
Breath of fresh air
In early morning light
Bring with these
Cool’s restful thoughts
Life and love
God’s gentle presence
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
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.“
What then in time’s embrace
Time and time again again
Speaks now of universe’s vast expanse
Near-sighted vision up close
Blocking out all other input
Enveloped by me me here and now
Or far-sighted eyes ever on the horizon
Unable to relate to other souls
Ever craving more more to gain
What then speaks and what is heard?
Do eyes look but do not seek?
Each day’s gift a treasure before us
Would we succumb to the smog about
Or discover true Light to clear away?
Shine bright streams to birth Faith
Lift worn arms to God’s sheltering presence
Full in this moment this hour this hope
And smile in that gift of inward peace
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
That spark, that sparkle
From within it grows
Lights up our eyes
So that everyone knows
Whether soft and glowing
Or vibrant and open
It brings comfort to others
And assurance for hoping
May we share that bright sparkle
In all that we do
From love it is born
God’s Spirit shines through
Charlotte-Anne Allen
There was a hush as time stood still
With indrawn breath
A pause, a flicker… a moment of clarity
Photos taken in darkest of days and
Moments of sweetest remembrance
… Rarest seconds of quiet
Sigh of rest at day’s end
Death’s final march and
Awe-filled eyes before baby’s first cry
Contemplate life and its grand stories
Cherish and preserve its promise
Look to sunrise and set, day night day
Joy in beloved voices around you
Of love and trials and overcoming
Of a great God ever present
There was a hush
As time stood still
Charlotte-Anne Allen
• What music are you producing as you grow and unfurl?
• As we rise, we bow our heads
• Take a moment to begin each day in prayer and contemplation
• A small, amazing feather enables flight
• Our perceptions and expectations are steered by our experiences
• Like spores, the deeds we produce affect all things around us
• We seek a positive and rich environment in which to thrive
• A “daily refresh” brings nourishment and health to body and soul
• Beauty shines in more forms than physical appearance
• Notice the unnoticeable
• Tend to the weary and vulnerable
• Respond gently to that which is young, weak, or fragile
• Welcome the light, encouragement, and prayers of others
• Shine God’s soft, healing light on those around you
– From “Reflection from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
I love an old adage
From friends tried and true
If ever there’s too much
to think about and to do
“Don’t fret about it…”
Worrying constantly
and tied in a wad
To be anxious is wearing
A devouring monster
Who seeks to consume
Hear words of comfort
Life’s seasons all pass
There much to give thanks for
Let it go, “Now don’t fret!”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The Still Small Voice 