love

December 7, 2025

Softly


Softly falls the drifting snow
Harmonic music lifts and inspires
Quiet presence in time of need
A sleeping child held gently close

Softly touches the cooling breeze
A warming blanket snuggled close
Comforting touch conveying compassion
Misty rain’s light kiss in early morn

Softly comes the light tread of feet
Loving gaze to empathize
Wafting aroma of a simmering meal
Whispered words in hushed voice

Trusting animal’s light kiss
Golden glow of rising sun
Twinkling stars ‘midst clear dark night
Softly embraces our God’s mighty arms

Charlotte-Anne Allen

November 16, 2025

Clanging Cymbals


Clanging cymbals, loud and rude
Turning heads where we stood
Noisy gongs now awaken
Ending rest that we have taken

Clashing shaking now vibrating
Look at me, they seem to say
At all I know, or have, or do
… Is all for show and our own way?

Where is joy?
Where’s faith and hope?
If in all of these it’s just for gain
As, looking within us, …our hearts are vain

God, help us together as we pray
Dispel the clamor as we seek the way
A decision each day to lift and care
To offer love’s great gift … Nothing will compare

Charlotte-Anne Allen
1 Corinthians 13

September 28, 2025

Cool


Refreshing
Mist upon my face
Soft wind sighing
Chasing away day’s heat

Ice cream
Sliding down my throat
Cool water
Splashes upon warm skin

Bare feet
On a chilly morn
Soft pillow
Beneath my head

Cool hand
Soothing weepy child
Breath of fresh air
In early morning light

Bring with these
Cool’s restful thoughts
Life and love
God’s gentle presence

Charlotte-Anne Allen

August 11, 2025

Reflections on Children


• Inquisitive curiosity feeds discovery
• Play is the basis of learning
• A place of security brings rest to our soul
• Nurture tender life and watch it grow
• Learning and growing is greatest when navigating challenges
• When seen through the heart, each day is a wondrous exploration
• Newness and change need time for adjustment
• Fresh eyes can bring great enlightenment
• May our words and actions encourage and uplift
• Imagination opens possibilities and delves into solutions
• Small things can loom as great mountains
• Speak encouragement and express value for others whenever possible
• Joy speaks through skips, song, and bright faces
• God loves us, His children, beyond our greatest imagination

Charlotte-Anne Allen

July 27, 2025

Come Princes Princesses


Rising sun on this new day
Humble princes and princesses
Adopted children come without delay

To the Mighty One, serving our King
We lift our voices and now we sing

Of trials and triumphs, of pain and joy
Of trust and doubt, of faith …and hope

We touch the promises of our great God
Love unfailing, forgiven freely

Arms enfolding, sovereign power
Awesome, filling

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

January 26, 2025

Tag


A childhood game of joy and fun
Reaching out to touch someone

…Can call to mind on any day
Of what we do and what we say

Are we choosing to extend a smile
To be courteous and go that “extra mile”?

…Social media says, “Look at me”
Consider now just what we see

Whether in passing or sharing deep
This world around us, may God keep

Value each other, recognized, known
Let’s tag someone… We’re not alone

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