March 23, 2024

If Time Could Speak

If time could speak
What wonders would it tell?

Of love and riches deep and true
Or weary roads and much to do

Wisdom’s path, hard-won but strong
Short hard days and nights so long

Facing great storms’ fierce gale
Then in gentle breeze rest well

Of steps taken, eyes ever gazing,
Ears attuned, and hearts amazing

Seconds and minutes, now hours proceed
Seek wants and labors, provision for need

Life’s highs and valleys low…
Faith hope and mercy know

If time could speak…
And does it not?

Charlotte-Anne Allen

March 15, 2024

The Sun Rises Again

Golden glow bids farewell
to day’s journeys

Twilight ‘s dusky presence eases
toward night’s greeting

Stars sparkle and luna’s face shines,
Ever gliding onward

Cool darkness touches gently,
A shroud for troubled minds

And so, we draw breath
and ponder anew life’s wonders

Resting. Closing our eyes.
Voicing thanks and casting cares

To One who knows and loves us
Bringing hope and renewal

Pouring forth God’s light.
For the sun rises again

Charlotte-Anne Allen
Psalm 143:8

March 2, 2024

Up

When upside down
Unhappy frown
A welcome “up” we seek

Cheerful voice and lips uplifted
Encouragement to be gifted
… Bring sunshine to gray days

Listen up and hear
When our hearts feel fear
… To God’s quiet presence within

Don’t hang it up when we are sprawled
On our backs where we have crawled
… Take a breath and be at rest

Offered helping hand
Now we can stand
Wake up, walk up, climb up

Charlotte-Anne Allen

February 24, 2024

Circle

Spread its arms so round and true
Joined together clasping tightly
Firm boundaries to speak and declare
Now look to the center to show us where

Moving turning in ordered motion
Complete and whole so satisfying
Gaze around in awe and wonder
Savoring the vastness of eternity’s splendor

As swirling water released down drain
Wind-chased leaves tightly lifted up
Rain’s swift drops upon mirrored surface
And sun, moon, and planets of glowing hue

A rounded loaf and water cup
In busy pursuit upon bowl’s rim
We meet ourselves upon life’s cycle

Pause and muse on earth and heaven
Our quest in life and the circles we touch
…The infinite love of God enfolds us
Gathering welcoming upon this circle

From “Forms Around Us”
Charlotte-Anne Allen

February 16, 2024

Crystal Clear

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

February 10, 2024

Reflections on Dust

• Notice the everyday fine things of life all around us
• Our surroundings affect us in many ways
• Small experiences can add up to big challenges
• Life’s happenings carry our thoughts and feelings
• Be in prayer when encountering caustic influences
• Negative self-focused inactivity can breed discontent
• Regular cleaning of harmful particles is helpful
• As wind blows, intention moves us forward to clear the air
• Disuse and disinterest may result in loss of skills and potential
• Be aware of how accumulated hurts and trauma affect relationships
• Positive pauses and stillness can bring relief and rest
• Wisdom grows from built up experience
• Allow wisdom to lift, heal, and encourage others
• God cleans the accumulated “dust” from our souls

From “Reflections from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen