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
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
For a peaceful heart
Or a calm state
Come now
to this quiet place
Rest for body,
mind, and soul
Draw fresh from One
who makes us whole
Know God’s breath
A stillness true
One day at a time
To see us through
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Summer’s bright splash of color
Swaying in greeting to wind’s light touch
Quiet conductors with raised wands
Now trills the songbirds’ joy
In harmony with busy buzzing
Neighbor greeting neighbor and
Workers moving in steady contentment
They lead an attentive orchestra
Turning to hear their voices and
Lifting faces to welcome soft touch
So, we move to quiet beat
Giving thanks for day’s harmony
For splashes of color and gentle touches
Work well done and songs well sung
Charlotte-Anne Allen [Re-posted]
Peaceful freshening quiet voice
Whispers softly cools furrowed brow
Lifts and nourishes lightly touches
Gentle moisture cools and calms
In our being let time slow
Hear the murmur speak of home
Gentle giant steadfast protector
Nestled securely within its might
Sit and rest with calmer spirit
Warmly snuggled peace enfolding
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Elijah! I love Elijah. Mighty prophet of God. Strong. Assured. Obedient to God’s commands. Through Elijah, God displayed His authority and great power to the people of Israel who had turned away! Fire from heaven burned up the soaking wet sacrifice… after futile attempts by the priests of Baal, god of fertility and nature, were unsuccessful. “Your god is no god!” … and 450 prophets of Baal perished.
Through Elijah, God withheld rain and a great drought resulted.
Through Elijah, God ended this drought with wind and abundant water… and Elijah miraculously ran before the chariot of King Ahab to a town fourteen miles away.
…Then a vengeful Queen Jezebel declared death to Elijah and he ran away in fear… and ran… and ran… until he ended up in a faraway cave in which to hide.
There God spoke to him, “What are you doing here Elijah?
And Elijah replied, I have given you my all God! Haven’t I obeyed you as best I can? I’ve been very busy doing all these things for You. Now look at these hard-headed, self-centered, angry people! They have rejected you and killed all your other prophets and now I’m the only one left! It’s useless. I might as well die too!”
I love Elijah! Doesn’t his story express the fear and discouragement we all feel at times?!
So, God passed by before that cave. There came a great wind, earthquake, and fire… but God was not in them. He who had spoken so forcefully and powerfully previously so that all would know His authority, did not speak through them this time… God had Elijah’s full attention! But where was God?!
Then there came a still small voice, a quiet calm. Elijah heard the voice of God asking the same question He had asked before, “What are you doing here Elijah?” …and, still focused on himself, Elijah gave the same answer!
But in the quiet of that moment, came assurance that God was with him. “Go back Elijah. I have a job for you. There will be others to help you, kings to anoint and a prophet to succeed you. Why, there are 7000 prophets who will rise up to serve me!”
I love Elijah! His story gives us all hope and assurance. “Go back. I’m with you. You are not alone,” God says. And so, He speaks in that still small voice, in quiet calm amidst our storms. God had not given up on them. He hadn’t given up on Elijah and He hasn’t given up on us! He is mighty. He is faithful.
May we find rest and courage in Him, giving thanks for His promise and faithful presence. Amen.
*Elijah’s story – 1 Kings Chapters 17-19 & 2 Kings Chapter 2
Charlotte-Anne Allen, 5/7/2017
Revised 1/28/2023
Quiet heart for listening.
Quiet heart for receiving.
Quiet heart for knowing joy,
Amidst life’s turns and twists.
Quiet heart for peace.
Quiet heart for love.
Quiet heart for knowing God,
Ever by our side.
Quiet heart for one.
Quiet heart for all.
Quiet heart for we are His,
Children in His care.
May God grant us quiet hearts,
Knowing this great truth.
Secure and comforted day by day,
Abiding in His arms.
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Dost bow your head, as they would say
In olden times when they would pray
We come before God with humble heart
In quiet thought at a place apart
In worship of His mighty power
Secure with Him, we pause in this hour
With troubled thought we seek a guide
Or time of joy… We do not hide
God knows us well. He loves us all
We rest in Him, both big and small
Now be assured. Release your stress
He bids us come, and he will bless
Dost bow your head
Barefoot days
Shorts and T’s
Cool clear water
Garden fresh veggies
Warmth for body
Sun’s rays heating
Fans blowing, shade cooling
Welcome breezes stirring
Birds calling, dogs barking
Yard mowing, weed pulling
Storms rolling, rain falling
Golden sun rays, moist woods
Early morning and evening’s chill
Dew’s sparkle and quiet hush
Life and faith one day at a time
Summer’s rhythm speaks of contentment
The cool morning greeted me as I peeked out of the window, then stepped outside. Soft fog gently touched my face and chilled my arms. Drops of moisture clung to leaf and blade, lending its nourishment. Sounds of early morning rising were muffled and the neighbor’s nearby chickens clucked contentedly. The cats’ meows welcomed their morning feeding.
I love these soft foggy mornings, where the day begins more gently. The fog hides or softens our surroundings and I am more acutely aware. The quiet invites me to join in, easing my soul and settling my heart in preparation for the day. In that pause, I breathe deeply and feel at peace.
The prophet Jeremiah spoke of God’s majesty as seen in His creation. “It is (God) who made the earth by his power…He makes the mist rise from the ends of the earth.” * I think of God covering us, like a mist or fog, offering us nourishment and gently touching us to cool our anxious thoughts.
What an encouragement and positive start for our day! As the sun rises and begins to burn off the fog, so we turn to our activities or head off to work. Breathe deeply. Draw on God’s covering presence. Know His touch.
Prayers for you each new day. Be encouraged.
Jeremiah 10:12-13
The Still Small Voice 