life

June 29, 2025

Forge


Moving forward
Slowly, steadily

As boats navigate
And butterflies migrate

Forge now ahead
Times a changing

Storms grasp
Tossed and tumbling

Sun rising, rays golden
Gently rolling on, softly lifting

Crystal clear blue depths
Or reefs raising grasping fingers

As a skilled smith creates their craft
So does God forge us carefully, beautifully

Through mist and fog, churning and stillness
Fresh and real… in his loving and mighty ways

Charlotte-Anne Allen

May 25, 2025

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

May 18, 2025

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

May 10, 2025

I Heard a Chicken


Have you ever heard a chicken laugh?
… Heard it burble with much glee?

What marvelous thoughts do they ponder?
… and what great things to see?

“Ah ha-ha-ha”, now hear them chortle.
… With darting gaze they look about.

Loyal sisters comment, clucking with much delight
… Then run around in confusion, expressing a bit of doubt.

Now the mighty leader loudly calling too
Expressing his opinion… a personal great view

Never a boring day, approached with grin and chuckle
… Sharing chicken laughs with you!

Charlotte-Anne Allen

April 27, 2025

Wise


What is it to be wise?
How one is known through another’s eyes?

We seek to know, to understand.
Walk this way. Know where to stand.

Look about. Thinking deep.
Listen. Pause. In prayer keep.

In struggles, challenges, our mistakes
We learn and ponder. That’s what it takes.

Wisdom’s example in others, too
It steers us, helps us in all we do.

What’s wise, you say?
See the heart and the whole, this day.

Making choices that lift and heal
Consider all perspectives and how others feel.

Wise, oh wise. Pursue wisdom for life.
It grows from goodness and from strife.

Charlotte-Anne Allen

April 20, 2025

Step, Step


Crunch of feet upon the path
Step, step along the way

One came teaching of God’s great love
Touching, healing, seeing our hearts

Who are you and why this trek?
Travelers with you, by night and day

Crunch, step, crunch, step
Ever closer to Jerusalem’s mount

Needy arms reaching, faces turning
Who do they see and what do we say?

Shout hosanna… then turn and run
King of heaven enters… to give up the Son

Step, step and one final sup
To pray in the garden and offer the cup

Broken body, abandoned alone
Then filled with new light for us at home

Come alongside Him, this Jesus alive…
Who’s lifting us up when we stumble and fall

Step, crunch, step ever closer to that holy mount
… Walking with Him upon the upward path

Charlotte-Anne Allen

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