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
• 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
Springtime dance in a big mudpuddle
What’s this we see darting about?
Tiny black dots in a tenuous home
Splashing rain to replenish
Or welcoming a daily drink
From curious friends
Tadpole legs now kick about
A growing black cloud
in their small world
Nature’s wonder
God’s delight
Pollywog
Charlotte-Anne Allen
A puff, a blow, and away they go
Dandelion puffballs are a child’s delight
Sunny days, clear skies, and lifted face
Sending wishes floating, lifting, soaring
Bright yellow faces reflecting springs bright sun
Transformed to orbs of wonder, sending hope aloft
What is it we hope for? … Love and family dear
Rising each day to dandelion brightness
Encouragers they are, to ever persevere
Growing where they find themselves
So, send your dandelion wishes
Prayers for beginnings and life
Reaching, stretching, giving
God’s transforming breath
Charlotte-Anne Allen
What do I see?
What do I hear?
Are my eyes so blind, though God is near?
Do my ears truly listen to words spoken to me?
Forgive me Lord if that is so.
Help me to follow and to grow.
Open my eyes to see with my heart.
Grant me understanding, doing my part.
In seeing… bring peace.
In hearing… make known.
Bring to fruition
The seeds to be sown.
Charlotte-Anne Allen
• Tend and care for that which is of value
• Work for nourishing results
• Warmth and caring are like the sun’s bright rays
• Positive influences bring out the best in us
• Aim for results that are helpful and usable
• Becoming better at something takes time
• Change comes through life’s experiences
• There are many responses to changes and challenges
• Patience during the process of growth and life is hard
• Sometimes we feel dried up and empty
• Pruning unhealthy thoughts and actions opens doors for grace
• Celebrate often, noticing the big and small fruits
• Stay connected to the Vine for health and strength
• God is our source, bringing forth the best in us
Charlotte-Anne Allen
• Life is a miracle in form and spirit
• There is beauty in the simplest of things around you
• The fragility of life can be daunting
• When you are shattered much is revealed about yourself
• Embrace positive thoughts and healthy ways
• Ideas and inspiration give birth to greatness
• Change happens when cracks form in life
• Transformation and change can be painful
• There is growth and potential when we persevere
• Sometimes growth can be messy
• Rolling with situations can reduce stress and avoid crashes
• Renew, refresh as each evening you rest
• Much amazing good can come from single small beginnings
• God is our source of nourishment and strength
– From “Reflections from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Season’s leaves now brown and blown
Insects retreating from wind’s cold embrace
Autumn stretches, reaches into nooks
Touching questing noses wishing warmer place
Plip-plop, plip-plop of sky-chilled raindrops
Encourage hurried walks and blow upon uncovered face
Sun shines bravely, a reminder of summer growth
Gardens’ offering now gathered, leaves and yard tended
Rest, rest and breath in deeply
A pause as the year is soon to be ended
Contemplation upon this year’s past
Looking forward, awaiting… Time briefly suspended.
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Waxing waning
Nighttime’s herald
Growing learning
Tasks to do
Reflecting thinking
Drawing forth
In season’s call
With solar dance
Labor completion
bringing forth
Looking seeing
Strengthening resting
So is life
In bright parade
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
The Still Small Voice 