Monday, November 30, 2009

A Heart That Ponders #1 . . . 11/03/09

Dear Holy Friends,
 
It is a cloudy day in Pennsylvania. The mild warmth yesterday was replaced with chill this morning. As I start this series this year I want to share the poem that initiated it years ago. It's nice to have you on the advent journey once again.
 
In His Grip, Chandra
 
 

A Heart That Ponders

 

There are within my mind, words and phrases,

things my heart holds deep.

I take memories, problems and consider them,

often I lose sleep.

My head is full of questions to ask,

many thoughts to ponder.

Mary pondered things in her heart,

that fills me with wonder.

I think of people we read about

in the life of our Lord.

I wish to chat with each of them

and write down every word.

And, as I start this season of love

and prepare for the Savior's birth,

I think I will ponder His birth to resurrection

how in me God sees such worth.

 

~Chandra Lynn Smith, The Pondering Heart, pg 1~

Sunday, November 29, 2009

The Pondering Heart . . . #1 . . .11/29/09

Dear Holy Friends,
 
    Today is the first Sunday in Advent. Later I will send out my first Pondering Heart Poem. I will break from the Just For Today poetry and each day during December post a poem about this amazing time of year. years ago I read a book titled Mary's Journal. The author wrote the book as if it was a journal Mary kept starting with the angel visitation. While we know that wouldn't happen, we also know that Mary pondered things in her heart.
    Writers are ponderers, I believe. So, for the month of December, you are invited to take a journey with me into Advent with a collection of poetry- some old, some new- about our Savior's incarnation, titled, The Pondering Heart.
 
In His Grip,
Chandra Lynn Smith
 
 

The Pondering Heart

 

 

By: Chandra Lynn Smith

 

 

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Luke 2:19

 

 

            When I was a child I marveled at the newborn baby lying in the manger and the wonder of what God did. As a teenager, I became filled with awe at the fact that Mary was my age when she birthed my Savior. Marriage brought new meaning to the responsibilities Joseph and Mary struggled with daily. But, motherhood taught me the true meaning of treasuring things and pondering them in my heart. The scope and breadth of Jesus' birth and life becomes more powerful when examined through the eyes and heart of a mother.

            This book is a compilation of several years of my Christmas Poetry series, A Heart That Ponders. Advent is the season of waiting. As we wait a mere few weeks for our Savior's birth we can learn from the hearts of those who experienced it first hand and their ancestors who waited years for their Savior. May the miracle of Jesus' birth bring new grace into each of your lives. Thanks for inviting me into your season. May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ bless you this year and in the years to come.

 

 

                                                                        Chandra Lynn Smith

                                                                        InHisGrip59@aol.com

                                                                        ChandraLynnS@gmail.com


Thursday, November 26, 2009

Just For Today . . .the short list . . .11/26/09

 
Dear Holy Friends,
 Happy Thanksgiving! I love this day of family. I also love the way my house already smells like a feast at 6:00 am! Have a great day, and keep focused on the things you are thankful for this day!
 
In His Grip, Chandra
 
The Short List
sunrise, sunset
    rain, wind
        and snow
clouds, storms
    thunder and
        rainbows
flowers, trees
    grass, dirt
        and weeds
corn, tomatoes
    things grown
        from seeds
hummingbirds
    songbirds, tadpoles
        and frogs
hawks soaring
    cats, deer
        and dogs
friends, family
    house full
        of love
blessings
    abundant
        thanking
            God above.
 
~Chandra Lynn Smith~

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Just For Today . . . nothing unknown . . . 11/24/09

Dear Holy Friends,
 
I got an email yesterday from my college roommate. Now, while I had a bunch of them the four years I was in college, Becky is the one I really call my college roommate. She and I are still close though miles separate us. It seems that one of the sweetest, strongest men I have ever known is dying. Her father. How difficult this holiday season will be for them, knowing it is his last. Goodness, he's such a dear man. No matter how long it had been since I saw him he always welcomed me as if I was his other daughter . . . and in some ways I guess I was.
 
InHisGrip, Chandra
 
Nothing Unknown
you face a trial
    don't know what to do
        nowhere to turn
            no way through
you suffer loss
    the pain is so great
        no way to see
            past this day
his body hurts
    cancer, chronic pain
        no way to feel
            normal again
uncertain life
    feeling all alone
        scary future
            all unknown
nothing's unknown
    in His loving care
        run to Jesus
            He's waiting there .
 
~Chandra Lynn Smith~

Friday, November 20, 2009

Just For Today . . . Run Like I Was Washed . . . 11/20/09

Dear Holy Friends,
 
We are watching our old best friend dwindle. Jasper is only eleven, which is not old for a Labrador Retriever. However, he has a liver condition that causes seizures. That has aged him faster and he is an old dog. He's losing weight, not eating well, weakening. Yet, he still goes outside and runs and plays frisbee with joy. It is so hard to say this slow good-bye to him. But I am thankful for his loyal companionship over the years. I dug this poem out of my files today because of how I enjoy watching him run to catch the frisbee.
 
In His Grip, Chandra
 
 
Run Luke I Was Washed
The dogs run with joy
abandoning stress
only moments ago  
they looked a mess.
 
They got a bath
something they hate
the process of cleansing
a terrible fate.
 
But now they are clean
run happily around
I could learn a lesson
from the dogs on the ground.
 
I want to run like I was washed
abandoning stress
Jesus cleansing my soul
when life becomes a mess.
 
~Chandra Lynn Smith~