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
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
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
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
• 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
Stretching, reaching, open wide
Life indrawing for this ride
New day’s rising now begin
Or coming rest from what has been
Breathing deeply, seeking, filling
Widen eyes and bring some healing
Close your eyes; release the stress
Prayers now for God to bless
Awaking thoughts now seek with might
Looking, wondering to the Light
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
Calm and relaxing
Of black and white blends
In offering serenity
Peace it extends
Neutral but practical
It’s in middle ground
Dampening like fog
Bringing stillness, now found
A loner and introvert
Well-meaning and serious
So elegant, insightful
Yet thoughtful… mysterious
This good companion is
One close by… Quiet gray
From “On Colors”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Bold and strong
Or weak and trembling
… yet we stand
On solid rock
We will not fall, so
Watch for sand and gravel
One step we take
And then another
Daily onward in prayer and faith
Stepping forth
We’re not alone
… Guided by God’s sure hand
Charlotte-Anne Allen
“In fullness,” now what does that mean,
When busy or stressed and a way is not seen?
Of God, of time, on earth to show
He comes to us so that we can know
Filled through Christ, God’s Son
In awe and humility before Mighty One
Wholeness, abundance in what really counts
Overflowing through grace in generous amounts
Tired souls can then begin to sing
Fullness in all and everything
Completeness satisfies our yearning
Filled to capacity, overflowing… we’re learning
This is life, breathing that goodness
Living daily in His fullness
Ephesians 3:19; 1:22
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The Still Small Voice 