What flights
of imagination
do we take?
Stretching outward
Beyond comprehension
Awestruck
Light shining into
a vast universe
dark and deep
Circling ripples upon water
Miniscule or infinitesimal
Vibrant and flowing
In wonder
we bow before
our Mighty Creator God
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Springtime dance in a big mudpuddle
What’s this we see darting about?
Tiny black dots in a tenuous home
Splashing rain to replenish
Or welcoming a daily drink
From curious friends
Tadpole legs now kick about
A growing black cloud
in their small world
Nature’s wonder
God’s delight
Pollywog
Charlotte-Anne Allen
Pointing, reaching, bright and clear
Shining for all folks far and near
Lights in the sky showing the way
Touching us gently after setting of day
Revealed by the dark
They twinkle, wink, and sparkle
Peeking through night’s clouds
And glimpsed through swaying trees
Starry light, you’ve traveled so far
Wonder inspiring and God revealing
Calming, warning, guiding, lifting
Touching us lightly with cooling beams
Set in the vault of the sky
God-spoken… for humanity woken
Starshine’s glow in universe’s vastness
Leading us to truth and hope
Not to blindly stumble or in darkness grope
Shine on, shine on… revealing God’s face
A star to bring us to His place
– From “Forms Around Us”
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
God of wonder,
God of awe.
Master. Creator
Of us all
See majestic mountains,
Ocean’s span,
Universe’s sparkle,
And ripples of sand.
God, full of mystery,
Speaks our name.
Awesome. Mighty.
Always the same.
Here among us
You delight.
Healer Father
In our sight.
God of wonder!
– Charlotte-Anne Allen
Reposted
“Oncet” there was a Beginning
And from that shone a great light
Illuminating a realm so vast
So glorious to one’s sight
Infant call upon that plain
In wonder and great delight
To run, to swim, to fly so free
On limbs uncertain and new
Now we in our own garden
Living laughing where they grew
Making a difference as we follow
What will we bring and do?
… What words spoken of our “oncet”?
Charlotte-Anne Allen 6/2/2023
** “oncet” (wŭnst) adv. “once”
Southern & South Midland US
Meadows and bees
Song and breeze
Mount and sky
Clouds against blue
Gurgling streams
Splashes and cool
Rustles and song
Rattles and tread
Bursting forth of life
Bud and bloom
Refreshing waters
Nourishment and newness
So, we bask in God’s creation
Soaking in His Wonder
Renewing and resting
His Light warming and filling
from “OF… Songs of Life”
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
Majesty.” That’s not a word that we use often is it? When we do, it is usually associated with some chosen leader or self-imposed ruler and the power they represent. We may use this word too, when describing spectacular scenes and acts of nature.
I am thinking today of the majesty of life itself, the awesome and most wonderful spark which cannot be duplicated by humankind and which is expressed in living things. “And it was good… And it was very good!” the book of Genesis proclaims.
We celebrate new life in the birth of children to family and friends… We treasure the life of our animal companions… And we depend on the life which rises from the soil and provides us with our daily food. There is majesty in the love of God. There is freedom in the discovery of God’s power and presence.
The writer of Chronicles expresses God’s majesty so well in David’s prayer:
10 David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, “Praise be to you, Lord, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. 11 Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours… You are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. 13 Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. *1 Chronicles 29:10-13
How often do I set aside my anxieties to simply sit in God’s presence? When do I release all my expectations and desires to His care? Do I offer up thanksgiving when things seem to be falling apart, when illness or economic stressors loom large? What about those times when I just feel so alone or abandoned? … These are all things which grow large in our eyes, hearts, and mind!
Yet, there’s God. Just God. He sits in His holiness and draws us to shelter on His lap, as a parent holds their child. He comforts us, protects us, and loves us anyway. He is this and more. I am so thankful for Him! This is my prayer. That we will allow God to draw us to His majesty each day. May we experience his mighty power, be comforted, and raise our heart in thanksgiving. May we take that spirit of God’s majesty with us, reminders to be thankful and to fill ourselves with His wonder.
When life gives you giggles
Pour it out
When filled up with wonder
Pour it out
When joy swells in darkness
Pour it out
When peace settles o’er you
Pour it out
When hope rises in trouble
Pour it out
When your heart grows in love
When breath is a gift
Your cup overflows
Share a drink
Offer life
Pour it out!
The Still Small Voice 