Just For today . . .when the wind blows . . . 11/5/09

Dear Holy Friends,   Yesterday I had my first fire of the season in my fireplace. I am not a winter person. I am pretty much dreading being cold. But I have to tell you that sitting in front of that nice fire this morning well before the sun came up was a peaceful way to start my day! It's cloudy, dreary, and rain is coming in tonight. A little bit colder and we'd be expecting out first snow. Yikes! But, I sit here watching the birds at my feeder and it reminded me of one of my poems from a few years ago. Thought I'd share it today.   In His Grip, Chandra   WHEN THE WIND BLOWS   I looked out my window the wind blowing strong.        Trees bending low nothing stayed upright long. Yet, out on the deck rail sat a chickadee. Wind buffeting, it flicked its tail the rail was a tough place to be. The wind threatened each moment to blow the little bird away. Yet, it withstood the torrent standing firm and bold that day.   I want to be like that chickadee face the winds of life headlong. Stay when trials hit me let each one make me strong. I want to face difficult things braving wind bigger than me. Like the bird, I want to sing trusting God cares for me. I think that little bird knows more about God than I do. For he trusts when the wind blows I want to trust that way too.   ~Chandra Lynn Smith~

Just For Today . . . The Black Thread . . . 11/3/09

Dear Holy Friends,   The sun is shining, the sky is clear, and the air is brisk and clean. On such a beautiful day it is tough not to smile. However, I read of a family in town this morning who is not smiling. Their five year old son died from swine flu. I cannot imagine their grief. The school has counselors coming in to help classmates deal with it. My heart breaks for them. It seemed appropriate this morning to post a poem about getting through tough times in our lives.   In His Grip, Chandra   The Black Thread   An artist uses black to bring detail to the art. A seamstress uses black thread to highlight other parts. In tapestry, true beauty shows from black woven in. Stained glass is uninspired until black lines are drawn in. A painter knows colors enrich when black goes in the blend. Writer's know darkest emotions bring inspiration from within.   I could wish you no black threads but it limits who you can be. Darkness in life is a part of the person we see. There is a truth in this about dark times in life. Although our vision is blurred there is purpose in the strife. Artists, seamstresses, writer's know darkness brings out beauty too, and darkness in your life will bring out beauty in you.   ~Chandra Lynn Smith~

Just For Today . . . More Than Words . . .11/2/09

Dear Holy Friends,   Two years ago at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer's Conference the theme was 'More Than Words.' The following poem is the one I entered into the them contest and won! woohoo! As I was going through things this morning to get my little booklets ready, I found this one and felt led to send it to you. Hopefully, it finds the home where God meant it to go today!   In His Grip, Chandra   More Than Words   Got the paper Pen in hand Words in head Can't understand Why I stare At the blank page It's mocking me Hate this stage                 Words sound hollow Meaning is lost  Just can't get     The point across Wad up paper Throw away Try again Another day   Spirit's warmth Inside my heart Reminds me Christ Is where to start Words are words Empty and shallow 'til His power enters Making them hallowed.   ~Chandra Lynn Smith, 8/2/07~

Just For Today

Dear Holy friends,   It's the time of year the commercials are already reminding us of Christmas. And, while I love Christmas, I do not rush the season. I do however make many of the gifts I give and so I am already full swing in projects. It's also the time of years I ask you, my readers, if you are interested in purchasing keepsake booklets of my poetry.   A few years ago I compiled my Christmas poems into a book titled The Pondering Heart which I gave to family members. Many of you have been receiving my poetry for years now. I have several poetry compilations available. Each poem is printed on stationary with appropriate art background, the pages laminated, then bound into a spiral notebook. I do the printing and laminating here and have the books bound. It is my goal to eventually publish these poetry books into more of a series that could be sent out seasonally. If you are interested in any of the books, please email me at ChandraLynnS@gmail.com I will contact you about  placing the order, payment, and shipping information. You can expect approximately ten days from order to shipping.   The booklets: The Pondering Heart = 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.   Chambers of The Soul= There is within every life a poem, written in the chambers of the soul . I want to invite you to take a journey with me into the chambers of the soul. The thing about life is that it is not neat and organized. Sometimes in one moment, we go from exuberance to sorrow.  There is only one thing we can count on about life; once it begins, it will have an end. The rest of it is a fill in the blank.  This is a compilation of some of the filled in blanks. If you find some of yourself in the pages, the writing is a success.( This book is larger than the others for it is a more complete compilation. The cost for it is $20 plus $5 for shipping.)   All the Earth Proclaims=  "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim work of his hands." Psalm 19:1.  From grasshoppers to winter snows to a dandelion growing through a crack in the cement, each page is a look at nature and the beauty God placed in His creation.   More Than Words=  " . . .for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Romans 3:24 (NIV). The poetry in this book, whether about nature, or love, good times or bad, adults or children, centers on the gift of God's grace into each of our lives.   A Seal On Your Heart= God gave us love and all of the expression of it as a gift. This is a book of poems about love, true love, as God designed. It is a journey from the first meeting through the growth of love to the maturity in love that lasted truly until death parted them. It comes from the heart and is written from a journey of experiencing love at various stages and watching people who are truly in love.       In His Grip, Chandra Lynn Smith "When you stop working to read a chapter and that break lasts until the end of the book, it's a good book!" other places to find me: Letters From The Doghouse (column): http://www.eveningsun.com/localcolumns http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Best.Friend.Dog.Training.717-359-9330 http://www.shelfari.com/o1517735704 Inspirational poetry spot: ChandrasPlace

Just For Today . . . First Act of Obedience . . .10/30/09

Dear Holy Friends,     This past Sunday pastor Scott preached from Matthew 3:13-17 on why Jesus needed to be baptized. It was an insightful sermon and I got a great deal of meaning from it. I'd like to share a little of what I learned with you.   in His Grip, Chandra   First Act of Obedience Within Him there was no sin His cousin told Him no but Jesus was determined baptism was the way to go.   He walked into the water where all the people could see obedience to His Father was the start of His ministry.   And, as He left the water God opened the heavens wide and told them He loved His Son speaking with a Father's pride.   Simple act of obedience following His Father's plan once more I sit in wonder He was no ordinary man.   God spoke to everyone present with Jesus He was well pleased God's Son, David's Son, God's act anointed Jesus as King.   ~Chandra Lynn Smith, 10/25/09~

Just For Today . . . Instructions For Life . . .10/30/09

Dear Holy Friends,   This verse is beautiful. It is funny how when I read it different times in my life different parts of it hold the greatest meaning. No wonder we pronounce it the Living Word of God!   20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues. Psalm 31:20   Love, Chandra     Instructions For Safety If I am in Your presence     you will hide me         keep me from the things             the world wants me to be For with You is security     strength to get through         nothing can control me             except my faith in You When I feel surrounded     by the intrigues of men         Your love wraps around me             in my situation. If I remain in Your presence     make You my dwelling place         no wrongful words can get me             Your love keeps me safe.   ~Chandra Lynn Smith, 10/30/09~