Hope

September 5, 2026

Reflections on Light

• Light is warmth and comfort
• Who we truly are is revealed in our words, thoughts, and actions
• Devote good works for each day, through sun’s rising and setting
• Summer’s warmth and sunshine lend energy
• It is very satisfying to rest after our labor
• Shadows cast can both cool and warn us
• There are times for movement and times for quiet stillness
• We are rejuvenated by positive faith, support, and encouragement
• Our eyes are drawn to points of light…
as to moon, sun, and stars of night
• Darkness flees in the presence of hope and security
• Positive growth and life emerge from the light of God
• We are like colors in the grand spectrum of God’s holy light

Charlotte-Anne Allen
– from “Reflections from the Everyday”

July 12, 2026

Spring Forth


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

June 20, 2026

Dew’s Touch


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

May 10, 2026

Reflections on Holes


• 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

April 18, 2026

Welcome


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

March 15, 2026

Flicker


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