Crunch
Crackle
Swish
Rattle
Leaves shaken from restless limbs
Roar
Rumble
Screech
Hum
Noisy leaf blowers make a job go quickly
Laughter
Shouts
Calls
Screams
Voices calling for favorite sport teams
Whisper
Sigh
Rustle
Swoosh
Soft breezes usher in winter’s nip
Season’s shifting
Night’s chilling
Sun’s glint sparkling
Cool air carries
…Sounds of Autumn
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Sunshine upon closed eyes
Lit by autumn’s cool glow
Upon thankful heads
Leaning to lingering warmth
Frosty nip at early morning’s dawn
Nature’s announcer of shifting seasons
Step lightly now and breath crisp chill
Growing nuances of more to come
And so, I dream of summer gone
Walking, playing, working, moving
Mindful of the new and the old
Life’s cycles and curiosity piqued
So, we shall live
One step at a time
Ever remembering and
Ever looking forward … in God’s great plan
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Waxing waning
Nighttime’s herald
Growing learning
Tasks to do
Reflecting thinking
Drawing forth
In season’s call
With solar dance
Labor completion
bringing forth
Looking seeing
Strengthening resting
So is life
In bright parade
Charlotte-Anne Allen
I love an old adage
From friends tried and true
If ever there’s too much
to think about and to do
“Don’t fret about it…”
Worrying constantly
and tied in a wad
To be anxious is wearing
A devouring monster
Who seeks to consume
Hear words of comfort
Life’s seasons all pass
There much to give thanks for
Let it go, “Now don’t fret!”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
The crunch of autumn leaves beneath my feet reminds me of the changing seasons. Falling leaves swirl around me, carried by the soft wind, twirling in the late afternoon sun. Reds, yellows, oranges, and rusty browns all speak of the shifting seasons. They cling to the trees, that source of sustenance and growth, and then finally release to their next season of fulfillment.
I think of the leaves as a reflection of our own lives. We too grow and change, drawing from God who is our source of strength and grace, and travel through our own seasons and experiences. We are lifted and sent forth to encourage and build up others around us, offering care and a bit of wisdom from past experiences.
I gently swoosh the leaves in my path, as I watch a couple’s dog joyfully bounce through the mounds of newly released leaves. His joy brings a smile to my own face, and a hymn of rejoicing based on Psalm 100 sounds in my mind.
“Oh, be joyful in the Lord all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness.
Come before his presence with a song. Bless the Lord! Bless the Lord!”
May we be as newly sent forth leaves, rejoicing as the Light shines upon us and as the wind of God’s Spirit lifts us up. Let’s breathe deeply of His presence and step forward with Him by our side, soaking in the peace of a hard day done or lifting words of thanks and song.
Charlotte-Anne Allen
• Sometimes we need repaving and make-overs
• Life’s storms and seasons can cause much wear
• Potholes can develop during rough times
• Preparation is important for getting anywhere
• A caring hand in times of hardship helps prevent accidents
• Travel slowly in adverse conditions
• Smoothing the process allows for optimum progress
• Look for opportunities for doing good when you’re out and about
• We have a common need to move forward
• Take much thought when considering your route
• Don’t be afraid to explore
• Side roads and country routes can lead to less stressful opportunities
• Rushing about leaves little room for introspection or service
• God travels with us over many types of terrain
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Feathery spikes of numbing embrace
Drawn from that unseen, yet touched
Transforming changing cooling
Gathering under night’s covering
Or written by fog’s chill greeting
Air heavy with enfolding moisture
Growing delicate dainty arrays
Splendid intricate formations
Look closely in simple wonder
Upon its quiet arrival
Shining upon leaf and blade
Season’s brush raised in salute
Rising from earth’s frozen womb
Signpost of Jack’s dark days
Pointed touch banishing leaf and bud
To bide their time for warmer days
…Now crushed beneath heavy trod
Or vanishing upon warm touch and light
To await once more its rising
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
Heading home one November evening, I pass the yard with the purple flashing lights of a Halloween skeleton which had been left up. As I turn into my driveway, I see that my neighbor has set out his Santa figure and manger scene. Have you noticed a trend too? As the seasons move forward towards year’s end, decorations are being put out earlier and left up longer. Halloween. Thanksgiving. Christmas…
There is a positive hope in these simple and familiar decorations, despite the challenges our world is facing and adjustments to a “new normal.” They reflect a strength of spirit and make room for happier times. I love the positive celebration of life! This time-of-year is a good opportunity to offer encouragement to others, to realize anew the value of family, community, work, church, giving to others…
As we go about our daily routines, what are we doing to strengthen and help each other? Everyone appreciates encouragement and recognition, or a listening ear. The lighted decorations make me think of the verse that says, “Let light shine out of darkness” (*2 Corinthians 4:6). Think of all the workers, the medical community, educators, transport services, and more who have struggled to keep things running. They have truly been a source of light. How are we impacting others and how have we been impacted by loss and a changing economy? How are we celebrating the good and coming together in our shared humanity?
May the flashing lights of the seasons’ decorations or the quiet humble manger scene be reminders. See through the darkness, give thanks for what we have, and remember the Christ child come to earth. In this journey I pray that we will grow stronger, wiser, more caring… trusting and serving God. May His light shine through each of us.
“Hello,” he says,
“Just passing by today.
But I’ll be back
For a longer stay!”
“It’s been a while.
I’ve been away,
To other climes,
Some cold to lay.”
“It’s quite a job,
The world to view.
Opportunities to enjoy
Outside for a few.”
“A nice warm fire
Will do for some
Who prefer to be toasty
When I come.”
With a nod and smile
He travels on.
But he’ll return
He’s not gone!
The Still Small Voice 