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
EYES
Hope
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
Coming In
When up and about
Mind’s on things old and new
What you like. What you need.
Seems you have much to do.
As a bee searching, gathering
Zipping here and there
Returning with what’s needed
Bringing home to share
Some with satisfaction
Others pondering with concern
As day’s time progresses
It’s for home we yearn
Coming in to draw a breath
Coming in to find some rest
Thankful prayers for a place
… As a bird to its welcome nest
Something about that moment
When we finally enter in
Come and find a welcome
No matter where we’ve been
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Reflections on Wood
• 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
Tadpole Boogie
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
Dandelion Wishes
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 Is It?
What is it?, they said,
as they peered at the ground.
There were thin flakes like frost
shining white all around
What is it, this ‘manna’?
For they did not know
That it was bread of heaven
Food they couldn’t sow
Born of dew
by God’s great hand
It filled their bellies
and gave strength to stand
When we’re in the wilderness
With fear high and hope dim
It’s hard to cease our grumbling
Though in trials we can trust in Him
God is our provision
Daily providing all the stuff
When we gaze and say, What is it?
His manna is enough
Charlotte-Anne Allen
In the Stillness
In the stillness
There comes a calm
A time of quiet contemplation
Storms’ great waves
That crashed with tumult
Chaos, strife, and much distress
Come gather now
As silence deepens
Open to stop, to pause
Find now rest with indrawn breath
Comfort and new direction
Readying both body and mind
Heart now waiting
Ears unstopped
Eyes opened to receive
God with us, Emmanual
In deep compassion
Holds us gently
Heard is our voice
Breath touches pain, anger, fear
In His stillness… find new peace
Hope for each day
Joy in the moment
Faith for life… in His stillness
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Psalm 107:28-30 NIV – “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.“
A Breath of Fresh Air
Springtime fresh
Throw open the windows
Greet gentle waft invited in
Lifting spirits
Breathe in deeply
Coolness filling, ever washing
Winter’s dust
Now leave behind
Carried away upon swift wings
Feel its promise
Upon hot, tired face
Calming relaxing clean
Close your eyes
And be encouraged
Listening to spring’s soft sigh
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Just a Mite
Something small
But right and true
Offer your all
What you say or do
A prayer, a smile
Or helping hand
Give of your resources
Helping others to stand
Not a biting bug
To irritate or harm
Discord’s not a part
But offers only alarm
We rise and rest
In our walk each day
Follow paths to spread hope
Encouragement along the way
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The Still Small Voice 