Towering giants
stretch their bare arms
To cloudy sky
Weekend dreamers
Slumber in warm cocoons
As quiet reigns
Soft breeze
Gently stirs bushes…rustling
In morn’s dim glow
Feathered residents
Silently huddle in chilly patience
Winging fleetingly aloft
Footsteps sound
Crunching on dry grass and leaves
Delivering morning meals
Nipped nose
Draws in crisp fresh air
This mid-winter morn
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Ripples… Ripples spreading across the surface of the water. We kids laugh as we challenge each other to see how far we can skip our rocks, chosen with the greatest care for shape, size, and weight.
… Dad and mom smile as we enjoy our afternoon at the local lake. We race along the shoreline and then gather at the table for our impromptu picnic of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, perhaps with some chips or apples, maybe some pickles, and something for thirsty throats. Thinking of those happy days makes me smile.
My mind travels ahead through our growing years and into adulthood. I think of all the ripples that have been set in motion by each of our lives. All that we have said, done, and thought echo through the waters of time. Through joy and pain, peace and tumult, life and death… new birth grows around us and through us.
And do we live in contentment? May it be so! For there is One greater than us all, who travels with us and looks after us. They are daily reminders of wonder and awe, if we but see it and hear it, listening fully and resting in God’s awesome presence.
I am reminded of Paul’s letter to the Philippians: “…if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things… I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” [Philippians 4:8b, 12b-13]
When discontent churns in me, I have discovered that finding that calm place is a great challenge and sometimes a long road. I cling to God like a young child. His patient love fills me. The psalmist must have had a sense of this as well when he said, “But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content.” [Psalm 131:2]
So, from this racing world and anxious hearts… for good or harm, the ripples of our being spread. May we turn to God for quiet, compassionate hearts and lips.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23
Ripples… Ripples spreading across the surface of the water. May God’s light shine.
Be encouraged.
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Bells ringing, bells ringing
Joyful voice of celebration
Christmastide leads to the Christ child
One born in a manger to shine for all
Hear the bells this hopeful season
Join your voice in thankful praise
Far from earthly power or fame
True wealth comes from love’s compassion
Heed you now the bright bells sounding
Hearts drawn to star’s wondrous path
Charlotte-Anne Allen
That spark, that sparkle
From within it grows
Lights up our eyes
So that everyone knows
Whether soft and glowing
Or vibrant and open
It brings comfort to others
And assurance for hoping
May we share that bright sparkle
In all that we do
From love it is born
God’s Spirit shines through
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Harvest’s being gathered
We bring our work around
Another year’s labor
Wherever we are found
Through days bright and sunny
Or clouds and rainy sky
We worked for our best
To complete tasks by-and-by
Some things of great challenge
Others flowing with ease
We persevered and encouraged
And are grateful for these
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Starry gaze through inky black
Moon’s beams peek ‘round clouds’ edge
Night settles upon the land
Sighing whispers of day’s farewell
Turn from bright glare of urban lights
That blink in disregard of rural calm
Go now to your quiet place
Far from bustle and clangs
Rocking slowly, now ease your mind
… Night calls softly to welcome rest
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Splashing water on a hot day
Splash of bright color to cheer
Splashing your face to refresh and clean
A splash a dash of spice to savor
Splashing encouraging words to hear
A splash a flash smiling face to cheer
We all need a splash to give and receive
A day with a splash is one we all favor!
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Velvety night calms and sooths
Softly touching after day’s turn
Star lights twinkle …are peeking
Through wisps of drifting clouds
Summer’s warmth lingers
Slowly giving way to cool surrender
Night creatures call out …now seeking
Distant and mournful, or sharply alerting
And so, we draw breath in and out
Somehow more finely tuned to body and earth
Filled and quietly resting …not speaking
Bathed in moon’s soft shine
Velvety night brings comfort
Contemplating, in God’s calm presence
Charlotte-Anne Allen
• Life’s achievements are like flower clusters growing from tough situations
• Thrive where you are planted, where you find yourself
• A worthy goal is to grow and produce good seed
• Nourish a noble and good heart to make positive results
• Keeping a low profile can help avoid pain and conflict
• Lean on one another, persevere, be tough when needed
• Stars shine out best when surrounded by darkness
• Learn to bend and be flexible when we get stepped on
• Spread out and enjoy the small moments
• Don’t reject something simply because others perceive it as worthless
• May you be encouraged on those days when you feel worn
• When we cling to God we won’t be ground down in defeat
• Take time to be refreshed, especially when in high-traffic areas
• Peace grows from learning yourself and releasing all to God who planted you
From “Reflection from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen 6/15/2024
Standing, resolved to do its best
Straight and strong, long enduring
Awakening to life in misty solitude
Growing, stretching out and up
A landmark clear, upon a hill
Withstanding storm and seasons drear
Rooted, solid, drawing us, too
A sign of peace for one and all
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The Still Small Voice 