Blink, yawn
At day’s dawn
or night’s greeting
Stretching, moving
Heartbeat and breath
Gathering the moment
God lightly
Touches our head
As to a beloved child
Swing high
Embracing wholeness
Gentle firmness, comfort guiding
Charlotte-Anne Allen
A sleepy child
Now snug in bed
For things we value
A place to repose
Cloak, belt, or hair
Prepared, ready to go
Love and belonging
Within caring arms
A small, fragile hand
Gently held by another
We can comfort one another
… With a simple tuck
Charlotte-Anne Allen
• Light is warmth and comfort
• Who we truly are is revealed in our words, thoughts, and actions
• Devote good works for each day, through sun’s rising and setting
• Summer’s warmth and sunshine lend energy
• It is very satisfying to rest after our labor
• Shadows cast can both cool and warn us
• There are times for movement and times for quiet stillness
• We are rejuvenated by positive faith, support, and encouragement
• Our eyes are drawn to points of light…
as to moon, sun, and stars of night
• Darkness flees in the presence of hope and security
• Positive growth and life emerge from the light of God
• We are like colors in the grand spectrum of God’s holy light
Charlotte-Anne Allen
– from “Reflections from the Everyday”
Such a creature
I do tell
Lounging happily
in your shell
Full of patience
And intent
Steadily moving
Though slowly you went
Surveying life
From bush or log
With occasional sniff
From a curious dog
Clambering up and all about
Buddies are important too
Basking in the warmth of sun
Life flowing …Each day new
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Light’s warmth coaxing new growth to see
Emerging now and bursting forth so free
From winter’s long and dormant hold
Leafy fronds stretching, unfurling so bold
Responding to steady patience and care
Unfolding our leaves and learning to dare
In rich profusion of vibrant greenery
Bring joy to lighten each other’s scenery
Charlotte-Anne Allen
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
I see you coming guest and friend
Greeting you now to enter in
Open door and open arms
Welcome now. Be safe from harm
When we comfort others, we offer hope
Hospitality and acceptance to heal and cope
Shining soft light that comes from God
Bears testimony of love with a welcome nod
Charlotte-Anne Allen
“The islanders showed us unusual kindness.
They built a fire and welcomed us all
because it was raining and cold.” Acts 28:2
We search to know
And want to grow
To do the right things
Whatever life brings
How do we back a fact?
Make sure the source is accurate
The real, the truth
Now that is sooth
When we don’t know how
In the here and now
God sees that which is
Know that we are His
We behold this creation vast
Knowing little of future or past
Only God who carries us through
To show love and kindness in what we do
Charlotte-Anne Allen
All creatures
Great and small
Created by God’s own hand
Looking now upon tender child
So too at wisdom’s touch
And silvered hair
Life’s stories
Like a swirl
Of colors
Shadowed depths and
Golden sunrise sunset
Upon us all
So beams His Light
Pray, fall gently
Upon unseeing eyes
To warm hearts
Breath life
Grant sight
Bring healing
Speak joy
We give praise
Charlotte-Anne Allen 1/10/2026
Maker, Creator
Lord God Almighty
Powerful, Omnipotent
Redeemer most Sovereign
Savior and friend
Merciful forgiver
Loving Father of life
Adonai, our great ruler
When in doubt, you offer faith
When afraid, you bring comfort
All-knowing omniscient
Seeing me true
Bringer of hope
Joy even in sorrow
Lifting us up
For every tomorrow
Charlotte-Anne Allen 12/27/2025
