As ice crystals on a cold dank day
Strike the earth or uncovered face
So, turn to shield from wind’s cold touch
And dream of warmer clime and place
Fresh air ‘tis true through biting chill
Winter’s silence gathered to embrace
Now softly falls the gentle snow
White covering welcoming floating lace
Look and wonder, for a time transformed
Joy in each day for peace and grace
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Gather now on mountain’s slope
Valley’s vista spread before
In-drawn breath to pause with hope
As sun’s slow rising opens its door.
Growing light quietly warming soft shade
Twinkling touch wakes window pane
Time whispering flowing across glade
Marvel, marvel… strength to gain
Joy-finder mid chaos and fear
Children, laughter, friend, and smile
Elder’s touch and calm wisdom here
Life in full to walk a while
Look and see inside our heart
And for true peace this day embrace
Doubt or grief, new life or start
Another year we lift our face
God reaches out and gathers us up
Opens eyes and ears to know He’s there
… He invites us in with Him to sup
Joy-bringer to joy-finder within His care
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The crunch of autumn leaves beneath my feet reminds me of the changing seasons. Falling leaves swirl around me, carried by the soft wind, twirling in the late afternoon sun. Reds, yellows, oranges, and rusty browns all speak of the shifting seasons. They cling to the trees, that source of sustenance and growth, and then finally release to their next season of fulfillment.
I think of the leaves as a reflection of our own lives. We too grow and change, drawing from God who is our source of strength and grace, and travel through our own seasons and experiences. We are lifted and sent forth to encourage and build up others around us, offering care and a bit of wisdom from past experiences.
I gently swoosh the leaves in my path, as I watch a couple’s dog joyfully bounce through the mounds of newly released leaves. His joy brings a smile to my own face, and a hymn of rejoicing based on Psalm 100 sounds in my mind.
“Oh, be joyful in the Lord all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness.
Come before his presence with a song. Bless the Lord! Bless the Lord!”
May we be as newly sent forth leaves, rejoicing as the Light shines upon us and as the wind of God’s Spirit lifts us up. Let’s breathe deeply of His presence and step forward with Him by our side, soaking in the peace of a hard day done or lifting words of thanks and song.
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Think now deeply
Weighing in your mind
Not speaking in a rush
Or acting before you find
Ponder things anew
And again, if need should be
For ears that will listen
And eyes that really see
Quiet considerations
Be still and take your time
Through prayer and meditation
Upon the mountains that you climb
And may those reflections brighten
Like a peaceful path on a clear sunny day
Lord, help us to live joyously
Wisely following you in every way
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Rushing forward,
Swooping back
Pushing pumping
Up and down
Sounds of laughter
Echoing rising
Lifting pausing
Catch your breath
Back-and-forth
Now gently sway
Calming floating
Happy smiles
Peaceful pastime
Simple joys
– – – – – – – – – Charlotte-Anne Allen
Summer’s bright splash of color
Swaying in greeting to wind’s light touch
Quiet conductors with raised wands
Now trills the songbirds’ joy
In harmony with busy buzzing
Neighbor greeting neighbor and
Workers moving in steady contentment
They lead an attentive orchestra
Turning to hear their voices and
Lifting faces to welcome soft touch
So, we move to quiet beat
Giving thanks for day’s harmony
For splashes of color and gentle touches
Work well done and songs well sung
Charlotte-Anne Allen [Re-posted]
God of wonder,
God of awe.
Master. Creator
Of us all
See majestic mountains,
Ocean’s span,
Universe’s sparkle,
And ripples of sand.
God, full of mystery,
Speaks our name.
Awesome. Mighty.
Always the same.
Here among us
You delight.
Healer Father
In our sight.
God of wonder!
– Charlotte-Anne Allen
Reposted
Quiet heart for listening.
Quiet heart for receiving.
Quiet heart for knowing joy,
Amidst life’s turns and twists.
Quiet heart for peace.
Quiet heart for love.
Quiet heart for knowing God,
Ever by our side.
Quiet heart for one.
Quiet heart for all.
Quiet heart for we are His,
Children in His care.
May God grant us quiet hearts,
Knowing this great truth.
Secure and comforted day by day,
Abiding in His arms.
Charlotte-Anne Allen
On a silent night
Near the little town of Bethlehem,
While shepherds watched their flocks,
There came something wonderful upon a midnight clear.
The shepherds heard angels on high.
Hark! These herald angels were singing
Hallelujah and
Joy to the world!
Away in the manger
What child is this we see?! Jesus Christ!
This baby born in a stable! We are still astonished.
What a holy night that was!
He was the promised star, come out of Jacob.
A gift from God. Now what is the gift we can bring?
The three kings were wise men who recognized who Jesus was.
The little drummer boy knew the greatest of gifts.
Mary did you know what was to come,
You who gave yourself to God and cared for this boy child?
God rest all people, merry gentlemen and joyful ones.
Hear tidings of comfort and joy! Jesus loves us.
… Born this Christmas night!
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Re-Posting my poem which inspired the name of this website: “The Still Small Voice – for Just a Weed”. For those hearts out there who, like all of us, sometimes feel insignificant. A call for us to see the value and beauty of each life. Precious in God’s sight.
I see your face
Shining bravely
And so I stop
To get acquainted.
It’s just a weed
I hear them say.
Delicate flower
Standing there
Surrounded
By the tended growth.
It’s just a weed
I hear them say.
A splash of cheer;
Yellows and blues,
White and purple,
Lilac too.
It’s just a weed
I hear them say.
I laugh; I chuckle.
I smile with joy
As I make my pass
Around their home.
It’s just a weed
I hear them say.
What weeds are these?
Unwanted ones?
Not at all… but rather,
Unnoticed treasures,
Loyal companions,
Fullness of life!
– Charlotte-Anne Allen
