Friday, February 29, 2008

Just For Today . . . I Love you More . . .2/29/08

Dear Holy Friends,
    No matter who we are and what we do, we all have days when we feel unloved. It may be from something someone says or does. It could be from weariness and stress. Those are tough days. And, because our mind is set on it, we cannot even find someone to prove us wrong. Or can we?
 
In His Grip, Chandra
 

" I LOVE YOU MORE "                                  

 

Marvel at the squirrel in the snow,

      listen to the purr of a cat,

             see His hand in the beauty of a rose,

                   God says, "I love you more than that."

 

Look at the star shining in the sky,

      sunlight sparkling on the dew,

            watch the beauty of a butterfly,

                  God says, "More beautiful is my love for you."

 

Listen to children at play,

      watch horses running free,

            feel the sun's warmth on a summer day,

                  God says, "I love you like that, can't you see?"

 

Every where you look today,

      nature shows His love outpoured,

            and when you gaze in awe and wonder,

                  He says, "My child I love you more."

 

All The Earth Proclaims, pg 16

 

he loves you more . . .hold onto that.

love, Chandra




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Thursday, February 28, 2008

Just For Today . . . Renewed . . . 2/28/08

Dear Holy Friends,

    Spring is not here, still has weeks before it arrives. Yet the evidence is already showing. Yesterday I saw, not only our geese on the pond, but flocks of them traveling. It is icy cold this morning. And yet, spring is calling. God' renewal process is starting.

 

In His grip, Chandra

 

RENEWED 

 

Brown, leafless branches                                                             

reaching towards the sky,                                                             

Piles of old snow by the road

signs of winter passing by,

Geese and ducks on the pond,

soon robins will be found,

warm sunshine, puffy white clouds,

signs of spring all around.

 

The cycles of life continue

as surely as seasons will pass.

Some days are good, some are not

and some we wish would last.

In the midst of it all God is there

His touch on everything is viewed.

And, faithfully as He does it in nature

He wants your life renewed.

 

All The Earth Proclaim, pg 38

 

May this day in some way bring some of Jesus' renewal into each of our hearts.

 

Love, Chandra

                                   

 





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Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Just For Today . . . Life Anew . . . 2/26/08

Dear Holy Friends,
    This morning I heard the sound I long to hear by the end of February each year. The Canada Geese on the pond. For some people, the return of the robins is the first sign of spring. It used to be for me. However, when we moved here twelve years ago, I learned the first sign of spring.
    While some Canada Geese winter here, the ones on our pond leave. They come here for nesting and raising the babies. They always return the end of February. I wonder how they know? But they are my first sign of spring. :)
   
 In His Grip, Chandra
 
Life Anew
 
snow melting
returning geese
muddy yard
daylight increase
blackbirds gathering
flying away
crocus appearing
warming of days
Spring arrives
brings new birth
renewal of life
renewal of earth
Jesus says
that's what he will do
when we run to Him
He gives life anew. . .
 
All The Earth Proclaims, pg. 40
 
 
Today, I hope he will show you signs of His spring, His rebirth in your heart.
Love, Chandra
 

ChandrasPlace
http://www.shelfari.com/o1517735704


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Monday, February 25, 2008

Just For Today . . .I Know . . . 2/25/08

 
Dear Holy Friends,
    Sometimes the faithfulness and constancy of nature is what we need to help us through our un-constant life. Rejection, betrayal, anger, sickness, illness, busyness, and anything can bog us down and make us forget to look for His constant in our circumstances. Today, look out your window for proof that our Savior will always be there for you.
In His Grip, Chandra
 
I Know
 
I know the sun will rise in the sky
    even when clouds block the view.
I know rain will water the earth
    and make the world brand new.
I know storms will come and go
    the cycles of life go around.
Nature in all its beauty shows me
    God's power has no bounds.
 
I know that all He created
    fits into His perfect plan.
I know he did it all with love
    down to each grain of sand.
Nowhere in all the earth
    is His love better displayed.
Than how He made each of us
    showing grace that never fades.
 
My friend, as sure as the sun
    will rise in the morning sky,
and,as sure as the rain will come
    bringing nourishment from on high.
Our Father knows your needs
    He will bring His glory through,
He is sitting there right now

    His love flowing into you.

 

All The Earth Proclaims, pg 13

 

Today I hope you will be able to find comfort in the knowledge that He knows your needs, your hurts, you.

 

Love, Chandra





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Friday, February 22, 2008

Just For Today . . . Restored . . . 2/22/08

Dear Holy Friends,
    It is coming to the end of February when the season begin to mix. What do I mean? We had more snow last night and ice coming this evening. It sill looks like winter outside. However, in the air I already heard the Canada Geese on the move. Yesterday, right outside my office door, the little green tips of the daffodils had already popped through the soil. A blending of the seasons.
In His Grip,
Chandra
 
RESTORED
Dead leaves
reach like gnarled fingers
towards something above.
Hands lifted heavenward
grasping cold air
reaching out for love.
 
In the cold and gray
things start to change
new life is formed.
Nature responds
warm spring knocks
upon winter's door.
 

Cold winter hearts

longing for warmth

look with hope to the Lord.

As surely as the land responds

and spring arrives

in your heart His joy will be restored.

 

All The Earth Proclaims, pg37

 

 

Today may we find evidence of His renewal all around us and inside us too.

Love, Chandra

 

p.s. If you enjoy the poems and would like to purchase any of my poetry books, email me privately and I will give you the information.

 





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Thursday, February 21, 2008

Just For today . . . Yard Glitter . . .2/21/08

Dear Holy Friends,
    Last night was one of those nights when I believe the master Designer outdid Himself. It snowed most of the day and the ground was covered with light fluffy new snow. The clouds cleared in time for us to witness the eclipse. Then at three a.m. when I was up - for who knows why- I witnessed the full moon shining on the sparkling snow. Oh my gracious how beautiful.
In His Grip, Chandra
 
Yard Glittter
winter full moon
daylight at night
new fallen snow
everything white
moonlight on snow
glistening bright
Master Designer
perfect tonight
beautiful scene
fashioned by God
wonder and awe
glitter in my yard
go back to bed
rest in His arms
the maker of this night
will keep me from harm
 
Chandra Lynn Smith, 2/21/08
 
Go ahead friends, look around. Somewhere today he placed something for you. And it's as lovely as the glitter in my yard.
 
Love, Chandra
 
 




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Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Just For Today . . . Nature's Way . . . 2/19/08

 
Dear Holy Friends,
    There are certain times that nature exhibits powerfully how well it obeys the Master. Winter is one of them. The snow melting on my ground will be gone today, replaced by mush. Then more will come over the weekend. Sometimes I wish I found it as easy to obey as nature does.
 
In His Grip, Chandra
 
 NATURE'S WAY
 
I wonder if the sun complains
about when it will rise and set?
Does the ocean need reminders
of boundaries, does it forget?
Has a rain cloud ever failed
to rain upon the land?
Or a flower refused to open
at the Master's command?        
Do birds and bees and mammals
rebel as humans do?
Maybe we could learn 
from obeying nature's way.
Instead of rebelling His perfect plan
entrust the Master with our day.
 
All The Earth Proclaims, pg8
 
Today, take a moment to look out at God's creation and ponder it's lack of disobedience. Maybe we could give it a try!
Love, Chandra
 

ChandrasPlace
http://www.shelfari.com/o1517735704


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Thursday, February 14, 2008

Just For Today . . . Fingerprints on the Morn . . .2/14/08

Dear Holy Friends,

    One of the most famous things Jesus said was when He entered Jerusalem His final week of life. As He entered, the people were praising Him. He was ordered to tell the people to stop all of the chaos.

        I have always loved His response, "I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." (Luke 19:40,NIV)

        That is what this book is about. Nature, rocks, stones, all of God's creation cries out His glory. We but have to listen with our hearts and hear the song. Listen. . .

 

In His Grip, Chandra

 

FINGERPRINTS ON THE MORN

There are fingerprints
on the morning,
put there
this very day.
There is brightness
in the sunshine,
new light
to guide my way.
There is color
in the sunset,
He brushed
with a painter's hand.
There is a glow
to a dark night,
He breathed
moonlight on the land.
There is His touch
in all you see,
if you
take time to look around.
There is His peace

in your heart

despite trials

joy can be found.

    All The Earth Proclaims, pg5

 

Look around and listen my friends, His fingerprints are everywhere.

 

Love, Chandra

 

 

 

 





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Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Just For Today . . . Heaven Touched Earth . . .2/13/08

Dear Holy Friends,
    The ice coating the branches is beautiful. The snow on the ground also. But the roads are treacherous and the rain will slowly melt it all into flood and mud. I believe I will take some time and submit poems to you all about nature. The next days all poetry will be from my All The Earth Proclaims manuscript.
 
In His Grip, Chandra
 

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

 

Psalm 19:1 

 

HEAVEN TOUCHED EARTH

 

    There are days now and then

            when bits of heaven touch earth,

                    when you know without a doubt

                            every created thing has worth.

      On a day like this

            the sun shines more brilliant light,

                       the sky is a richer shade of blue,

                             clouds are radiant white.

        The birds and the crickets sound joyous

               calling you to join the song,

                         the gentle breeze makes you wish

                               this would last all week long.

         When God blesses you with this day

                 enjoy its simple bliss,

                           turn your face heavenward

                                    receive God's holy kiss.

                                                ~Chandra Lynn Smith~

 

Friends, today my prayer would be that our Lord helps you feel that holy kiss with your heart.

 

Love, Chandra

 

 





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