Ripening now upon our stem
What have we now to say?
Offering of our best each day
Our heart, our words
And what we do
Giving freely
Placing all first before God
Trusting Him who does supply
Charlotte-Anne Allen
First Fruits
God
MELT
As heat rises
Bring release
Melt away harsh words
Grant peace
Shall we stomp
And shout and fume?
Speak of war
And death and doom?
Melt us, change us
Bring solutions
Sun to warm
Now calm emotions
Shall we claim
Our common stock?
Flowing together
From mighty Rock
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Fruitful Harvest
Possibilities and hopes
Looking forward
For what may be
Though yet unknown
Time to grow
With soil and sun
Roots now seeking
Nourishment and place
Stretching can be so disquieting
Challenges to thought
Fragile buds bathed
… in grace
God’s light shine
Upon our face
Sweet rich soil
We embrace
To till and tend
To weed and water
For fruitful harvest
By His hands
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Cool
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
Reflections on Mush
- Life’s simple things bring greatest satisfaction
- Great ideas can come from unlikely looking sources
- Kind words spread warmth and encouragement
- Well-intended and communicated ideas are more easily swallowed
- Patience and attention are needed for positive outcomes
- Allow things to set for clearer ways to proceed
- It is not the amount of words spoken that matter most
- Choose your ingredients with care before use
- Stirring often inspires greater kindness
- A pinch of salt brings greater savor
- When all is overwhelming, turn down the heat
- There is great value in versatility and helpfulness
- Thoughtful acts add sweetness to life
- Life’s flavor and nourishment are found in our Creator
Charlotte-Anne Allen
EYES
Eyes to see
Yonder stars shining
Even when clouds gather
So, turning my head to heavens above
Every day, now fill me
Yes, with lifted arms to God
Each brings a promise of hope
Sing, sweet Light, and fill our souls
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Cloud Speak
Portents of things to come
Stormy sky and pouring rain
Fair weather cotton balls
Gray blanket for a drizzly day
Look about and heed
What do we form for all to see
Sailing high above in swift retreat
Or gusting words to rush about
What times for lifting energizing
Beauty flashing midst struggles deep
Washing sometimes roaring
In our own smallness soaring
Do we speak of fairer days
Quietly linger softly calming
Breath in deeply sweet aroma
Welcome refreshment steady supply
Flying floating freely
Sunlight glinting over all
Rest ‘neath such as welcome
With One much greater above all
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Reflections on Children
• Inquisitive curiosity feeds discovery
• Play is the basis of learning
• A place of security brings rest to our soul
• Nurture tender life and watch it grow
• Learning and growing is greatest when navigating challenges
• When seen through the heart, each day is a wondrous exploration
• Newness and change need time for adjustment
• Fresh eyes can bring great enlightenment
• May our words and actions encourage and uplift
• Imagination opens possibilities and delves into solutions
• Small things can loom as great mountains
• Speak encouragement and express value for others whenever possible
• Joy speaks through skips, song, and bright faces
• God loves us, His children, beyond our greatest imagination
Charlotte-Anne Allen
What Flights!
What flights
of imagination
do we take?
Stretching outward
Beyond comprehension
Awestruck
Light shining into
a vast universe
dark and deep
Circling ripples upon water
Miniscule or infinitesimal
Vibrant and flowing
In wonder
we bow before
our Mighty Creator God
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Come Princes Princesses
Rising sun on this new day
Humble princes and princesses
Adopted children come without delay
To the Mighty One, serving our King
We lift our voices and now we sing
Of trials and triumphs, of pain and joy
Of trust and doubt, of faith …and hope
We touch the promises of our great God
Love unfailing, forgiven freely
Arms enfolding, sovereign power
Awesome, filling
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The Still Small Voice 