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
Take a moment
Try not to rush it
Breathe and pause
Before you flush it
Conscious thought
In welcome… pray
Create the space
To meet each day
Sweet release
We become aware
That our God
Is everywhere
In His presence
Now rest and reside
Allowing space for God
… Always by His side
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
We lift our faces to sun’s warm glow
On summer day or winter’s snow
To lips we bring in welcome cheer
food and drink to nourish us here
A child we hold in tender care
Holding closely to see them there
Picking up each other too
Showing our care and being true
We lift our prayers; we lift our eyes
To One who knows and is most wise
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
