Quiet, calm night
Clear skies soften
As sunrise’s faint shine
Stirs and greets a new day
Cool morning’s breath
Gathering droplets
To touch and moisten
Gentle, life-giving
Magical shining orbs
Settle upon tender grass
And freshened leaves
Rising in silent appreciation
Bare feet welcome
Dew’s cool chill
Refreshed peaceful
Lifting heart and mind
From heaven above
Comes… dew’s touch
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
Rainy chill and soggy gray
Dampness creeping with the breeze
Flowers huddle swaying wet
Looking askance, at spring’s tease
Where has it gone, our sunny days?
That welcome warmth is replaced with shiver
It will return after earth’s wet kiss
To grow and strengthen such as these
Charlotte-Anne Allen
• 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
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
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
Petals open
Velvet touch
Born from buds
Opening to morn’s light
Scarlet red bloom
Speaks of life and hope
Jesus’ blood freely shed for us
God’s great love
Arose at day’s dawn
Mid sunrise’s soft glow
In power and awe
Opening to new life
Charlotte-Anne Allen
A blink
A nod
Now time has passed
A glimpse
On screen
A lightning flash
A feathered wing
A wind-blown leaf
And another day gone by
Thankful days
Wishful dreams
Riding upon light moving steps
Or perhaps
A whispered sigh
Of love and mourning and rest
Sit back now
And cast your eye
On shady porch or sunny vale
Precious moments
Quiet and still, fast and racing
Of God and faith, all beauty… in a flicker
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Hey Bud
Poking your tender head
Above soil’s chill grasp
A reflection of sun’s glow
Shining golden in delight
Proud challenge to winter’s hold
Hey Bud
Bringing hope and promise
To an earth held in its tight grasp
Welcome life
Hidden among brown leaves
Rising forth… resolute in faith
Charlotte-Anne Allen
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
The Still Small Voice 