February 8, 2026

Crumbs

For an excellent meal, now leave no crumbs
A testament of preparation well done
Consumed with great appreciation
Coming together after contemplation

Now evidence of great worth and clout
We see crumbs that brought much help about
Good news perhaps or spoken words
As a symphony of music from joyous birds

Come together generously with our crumbs
Sharing, offering, giving whatever sums
Our bread, our cake, all morsels humbly given
Bring strength and encouragement for all the living

Charlotte-Anne Allen

January 18, 2026

Embers

Glowing hot
Beneath the ashes
Smoldering there
Pondering, waiting

Guard it well
With wisdom and care
A thought to encourage
Is goodness there?

Look now for warmth
For deep compassion
In flame’s sparking
Bring not destruction

What is kind
And wholesome true
Will guide the calling
To know what to do.

Embers resting
Beneath the ashes

Charlotte-Anne Allen

December 28, 2025

Good Morning, God!

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

December 13, 2025

Breaking News

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

December 7, 2025

Softly

Softly falls the drifting snow
Harmonic music lifts and inspires
Quiet presence in time of need
A sleeping child held gently close

Softly touches the cooling breeze
A warming blanket snuggled close
Comforting touch conveying compassion
Misty rain’s light kiss in early morn

Softly comes the light tread of feet
Loving gaze to empathize
Wafting aroma of a simmering meal
Whispered words in hushed voice

Trusting animal’s light kiss
Golden glow of rising sun
Twinkling stars ‘midst clear dark night
Softly embraces our God’s mighty arms

Charlotte-Anne Allen

November 16, 2025

Clanging Cymbals

Clanging cymbals, loud and rude
Turning heads where we stood
Noisy gongs now awaken
Ending rest that we have taken

Clashing shaking now vibrating
Look at me, they seem to say
At all I know, or have, or do
… Is all for show and our own way?

Where is joy?
Where’s faith and hope?
If in all of these it’s just for gain
As, looking within us, …our hearts are vain

God, help us together as we pray
Dispel the clamor as we seek the way
A decision each day to lift and care
To offer love’s great gift … Nothing will compare

Charlotte-Anne Allen
1 Corinthians 13