Moving forward
Slowly, steadily
As boats navigate
And butterflies migrate
Forge now ahead
Times a changing
Storms grasp
Tossed and tumbling
Sun rising, rays golden
Gently rolling on, softly lifting
Crystal clear blue depths
Or reefs raising grasping fingers
As a skilled smith creates their craft
So does God forge us carefully, beautifully
Through mist and fog, churning and stillness
Fresh and real… in his loving and mighty ways
Charlotte-Anne Allen
In the stillness
There comes a calm
A time of quiet contemplation
Storms’ great waves
That crashed with tumult
Chaos, strife, and much distress
Come gather now
As silence deepens
Open to stop, to pause
Find now rest with indrawn breath
Comfort and new direction
Readying both body and mind
Heart now waiting
Ears unstopped
Eyes opened to receive
God with us, Emmanual
In deep compassion
Holds us gently
Heard is our voice
Breath touches pain, anger, fear
In His stillness… find new peace
Hope for each day
Joy in the moment
Faith for life… in His stillness
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Psalm 107:28-30 NIV – “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.“
• We draw strength from the warmth of friends and family
• Don’t neglect preparation but anticipate needs and be ready
• Our actions, thoughts, and words are widespread and far-reaching
• Some days and seasons are like a whirling, churning storm
• Opposing forces can cause much trauma and destruction
• Emotions, self-focus, and hormones steer us in vast floods
• It is difficult to lower contention when we are close to the center of it
• Thoughtless words spew forth like flying debris
• Evacuations may be needed when faced with unhealthy situations
• Water is both cleansing and a powerful force so drink wisely
• When you hit hard times, lean on each other to form a strong and solid base
• Come together as community when faced with common challenges
• Determination, motivation, and support give strength when rebuilding
• Jesus is our calm place no matter what surrounds us
– From “Reflection from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
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
If time could speak
What wonders would it tell?
Of love and riches deep and true
Or weary roads and much to do
Wisdom’s path, hard-won but strong
Short hard days and nights so long
Facing great storms’ fierce gale
Then in gentle breeze rest well
Of steps taken, eyes ever gazing,
Ears attuned, and hearts amazing
Seconds and minutes, now hours proceed
Seek wants and labors, provision for need
Life’s highs and valleys low…
Faith hope and mercy know
If time could speak…
And does it not?
Charlotte-Anne Allen
• A true home is where you can be yourself
• We draw nourishment from positive words and actions
• Create surroundings that protect you and don’t tear you down
• Tough exteriors often conceal soft hearts
• Beauty comes in many forms and colors
• Good can be found in the midst of movement and storm
• When mired in trouble seek the light
• Care from others helps heal cracked hearts and lives
• Make your home a place where others can find shelter
• Do not let life’s true treasures rush by unnoticed
• There is much to discover at a slower pace
• God’s power moves us, forms us, and protects us
From “Reflections from the Everyday”
Charlotte-Anne Allen
In rising wind and slashing rain
Storm breaking, pounding, roaring
Trees do dance… They break and tremble
Whipped by nature’s grasping breath
Do we yet cower… or stand in awe?
We in our weakness before God’s might
Surrendered to those cleansing waters
Breathing in His freshening wind
Look now… A Light is shining
Glowing, filling, warming…
Ever speaking of storm passing
Securely held in its wake
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Heading toward Jerusalem
He entered it that day
Shouts of acclamation
Cries to be saved
Walking among the people
He spoke lasting words
Showed us servant giving
As storm clouds gathered
Oh, where now is our Savior
Betrayed by those beloved
In agony and prayer
Obedient Lamb of God
Can there be such compassion
In the midst of fear and doubt
Loss grief despair confusion
Striking buffeting death
What’s this now seen in darkness
Piercing light and open way
Speaks of new beginnings
Life rises out of love
Jesus walks among us
Transforms our doubt to joy
Fellowship for all who come
Hear see eat with him… Believe
Can it be so simple
Toddler’s first wobbly step
God’s strong hand and presence
Direction faith and hope reborn
Light’s rays to guide us
To lift and reassure
Life’s purpose now before us
There is a better day
Rustle of leaves
on a scorching day
The sun blinks its eyes
as shadows slip in
Chirping birds
Now grow silent
As earth holds its breath
And heated air stirs
The rumble of a passing truck
Grows and speaks to
Dark clouds advancing building
Carried on silent streams
A dog’s sharp bark
Shatters the sudden stillness
And the cat races to shelter
As searing light pierces the sky
Storm’s call sounds
Make way Make way
Wind’s breath blows cool
As full drops descend
Pounding now upon thirsty ground
Washing cleansing making new
Wafting lifting petrichor’s rich smell
… Rain’s offering to lifted noses
Streams of water flowing
Warm toes cooling
Hot faces relieving
Churning clouds slowly recede
Storm’s call beckons
Lifts its arm in final salute
And rolls slowly on
As mist begins to rise
Shining splendor for all to see
Rainbow’s gems sparkle brightly
Breath of wonder and delight
Glorious proclamation upon the sky
Radiance gleaming now
Stretches over the earth
Jaspers rubies emeralds
Precious awe-inspiring sight
Sun rays amidst the clouds
Refracted upon life’s droplets
Drawn from storms passing
Breaking forth to speak of light
The Still Small Voice 