Hope

April 13, 2025

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.“

April 5, 2025

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

March 1, 2025

In Time’s Embrace


What then in time’s embrace
Time and time again again
Speaks now of universe’s vast expanse

Near-sighted vision up close
Blocking out all other input
Enveloped by me me here and now

Or far-sighted eyes ever on the horizon
Unable to relate to other souls
Ever craving more more to gain

What then speaks and what is heard?
Do eyes look but do not seek?
Each day’s gift a treasure before us

Would we succumb to the smog about
Or discover true Light to clear away?
Shine bright streams to birth Faith

Lift worn arms to God’s sheltering presence
Full in this moment this hour this hope
And smile in that gift of inward peace

Charlotte-Anne Allen

January 19, 2025

Reflections on Eggs


• 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

January 5, 2025

Reflect


As light upon a quiet lake
Sun’s beam glinting, reaching… cast

So, look into life’s mirror
Images, moments… of time past

Lift your head and see the light
Now contemplate… of what will last

As bobbing crafts in calm waters or
Storms’ choppy waves… see an ever-pointing mast

Our great God is ever with us
Reflect, look once again… at love so vast

Charlotte-Anne Allen

December 14, 2024

“As…So” for Christmas


As a star lead the way… so God leads us still

As a donkey faithfully carried the load… so God takes our own burdens

As the stable was a welcome shelter… so we are thankful for our homes

As angels rejoiced and delivered good news… so we share that good news with others

As shepherds cared for their flock… so God cares for his children

As the baby was dependent on others… so humankind needs God

As the mother loved the child… so God loves us

As wise men brought gifts… so God sent his own son as a gift to all

As Christmas trees remind us of life and joy… so be filled

As wreaths speak of unity and eternity… so share goodwill and compassion

As candles light the way… so Christ lights our hearts and way

As bells celebrate Christ’s birth… so celebrate new beginnings

As carols tell the wondrous story… so may our hearts be filled with wonder and hope

As Christmastide leads us to Jesus… so may our lives follow Him

– from “As… so Proverbs”
Charlotte-Anne Allen

December 7, 2024

Bells Ringing


Bells ringing, bells ringing
Joyful voice of celebration

Christmastide leads to the Christ child
One born in a manger to shine for all

Hear the bells this hopeful season
Join your voice in thankful praise

Far from earthly power or fame
True wealth comes from love’s compassion

Heed you now the bright bells sounding
Hearts drawn to star’s wondrous path

Charlotte-Anne Allen

August 23, 2024

There Was a Hush


There was a hush as time stood still
With indrawn breath
A pause, a flicker… a moment of clarity

Photos taken in darkest of days and
Moments of sweetest remembrance
… Rarest seconds of quiet

Sigh of rest at day’s end
Death’s final march and
Awe-filled eyes before baby’s first cry

Contemplate life and its grand stories
Cherish and preserve its promise
Look to sunrise and set, day night day

Joy in beloved voices around you
Of love and trials and overcoming
Of a great God ever present

There was a hush
As time stood still

Charlotte-Anne Allen