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
It was the time of the night
When we reach out our hands
To the One who is Lord of all
It was the time of the night
When we seek His touch
As a child held safe and warm
It was the time of the night
When we call out His name
From a heart of need or want
It was the time of the night
When we see how great
Is the One who gave His life
It was the time of the night
When we know God’s care
And hope has room to grow
It was the time of the night
When weary spirits can lift
For light… God’s love for us
Charlotte-Anne Allen
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
From this… life springs
Marvelous wonders
Unimposing treasures
Waiting for time of planting
Sown upon fertile soil
Drawing nourishment
Water, air, good soil, light
Breaking forth in newness
Digging roots downwards
Reaching ever upwards
Forming, growing, bearing
In turn enriching others
Nourishing and life bringing
… We seeds of God’s making
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Quiet eve, our heads we lay
Bid adieu to busy day
Cool air stirs, refreshes brow
Soothing chords calm and still us now
Pause, listen, feel soul deep
God’s faithful presence, us safely keep
In such moments, mute our mind’s roar
Peaceful welcome for which to soar
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Spring forth oh glorious morn
Now touch the light of day
Speak of cool rising mists
Of soft golden light
And quiet hush of dawn
Nature’s yawn
Soft indrawn breath
Upon night’s slow release
Of muted chirps
And curious inspections
At the rising of earth’s inhabitants
Stretch, turn, and wing aloft
Lifting, calling, gently reminding
Speak peace and hope and life
Spring forth in promise
Of God’s power and eternal love
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Filled up
To the brim
Full measure
…Complete
To the top
Not wanting
Nor lacking
…Abounding
God’s Fullness
Wide long
High deep
…Vast
His love
Surpassing
Immeasurable
…Fulfilled
Complete
Abounding
Vast
Fulfilled
Charlotte-Anne Allen
– Ephesians 3:14-21
• Holes can be both helpful and hurtful
• Be mindful of what surrounds the holes in life
• Rich earth yields healthy harvest
• Being accepted and cared for helps fill us
• Emptiness grows with suffering or lack of hope
• Sometimes we feel torn open and lost
• As time goes by, worn out clothing reveals use and life
• Repairs may come slowly and in part
• As a key turns in a keyhole so positive actions can bring much good
• A nurturing home is a refuge and a sheltering burrow
• Small accomplishments are encouraging and fulfilling
• Take notes of the diligent woodpecker seeking food and shelter
• The planting of new things and ideas first requires digging
• A small seed planted yields much through struggles and trials
• When digging and growing, contemplation and prayer are of great importance
• God fills our holes with goodness, purpose, and compassion
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
