Friday, January 30, 2009

Just For Today . . . on a winter day . . .1/30/09

 
Dear Holy Friends,
    Wednesday we had snow and then ice on top of it. Last night it froze solid so the yard is almost like an ice skating rink. Some of the dogs here this week ran right out on it and slid everywhere. Others walked cautiously and turned around to come straight back inside. And one of them took great delight in chasing and sliding after the ice balls skimming over the ice. The same situation seen differently. Much like life can be.
 
In His Grip, Chandra
 
on a winter day
 
to some it is lovely, a world sparkling white
to others it is danger, something that  brings fright
purity of a winter snow, draping on the trees
something beautiful in the winter freeze
that's the way God does it, beauty from the gray
in the midst of struggle He brings lovely into your day
but when the air is cold and the heart closes tight
it's hard to see the lovely in the dark of night
are you facing winter and worried it won't let go
do worry and sorrow try to block the Truth you know?
in the midst of winters of life when storm winds blow
God is there to help you through, reminding you what you know
there is nothing you will face He cannot see you through
let go of your control and follow Him is all that you must do
and like the geese flying overhead somehow understand
winter will come to an end so they fly across the land
God wants you to see His power weaving through your day
and promises He will bring a spring that chases your winter away.
 
~Chandra Lynn Smith, 1/30/09~
 


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Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Just For Today . . .processing . . .1/27/09

Dear Holy Friends,
    I didn't write or send much out last week because I was processing. I was not sure how much to share with you all or how to share. It is very hard to put into words what it feels like to know Jesus stepped into the physical and saved a life, especially when the life was mine. It is humbling to know He acted in the situation and by so doing announced "it is not your time to go yet."
    Last Sunday, January 18, I drove onto an icy bridge and didn't really drive off of it. AS soon as I got on it, I started sliding and the car did at least one 360, and a 180, I think it did two 360's. After the first 360 I knew there was nothing I could do so I closed my eyes, pressed my head against the headrest and said, "Jesus, it's whatever you want now."
    The car crashed into the center wall of the bridge, hard. I was okay. I was able to get the flat tire changed, and the bumper pulled off of the rear tires and drove home. Monday  my left side was very sore and my left wrist still is. I will see the doctor about it, there is definitely a sprain, maybe a fracture in the little carpal bones. I am wearing a wrist brace.
    I don't know why God chose that was not my moment to join Him in heaven. But I am still awed and somewhat speechless by the way He saved me.
 
In His Grip, (More than I ever realized).
Chandra Lynn Smith
 
Processing
 
ice on the bridge, no,
couldn't slow enough
slipping
skidding
one complete 360
can't get it straight
car keeps spinning
how much?
close eyes, ready for end
"Jesus, it's whatever you want now"
how many rotations?
front hits something
more spinning
crash into center bridge wall
open eyes, alive still
how? why not dead?
God stepped into
the physical realm
and stopped my car
safely
saved my physical life
like
He saved my soul.
How to process?
What does it mean?
Thank you Jesus.
Thank You.
 


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Thursday, January 22, 2009

JustFor Today . . . When The Crisis Comes . . . 1/22/09

 
 Dear Holy Friends,
    Several things recently have caused me to think about how each one of us will in some way be affected by a crisis this year. I just think it's a matter of fact that there will be at least one crisis in every life sometime during 2009. How we get through the crisis is a sure sign of who we are. The other day as I thought of this I sat and wrote the poem.
 
In His Grip, Chandra
 
When The Crisis Comes
 
when the crisis comes
    what do you do
        because it will happen
            even to you . . .
it may be illness
    or death or pain
        but one thing is certain
            each life has some rain . . .
nothing can prepare
    no way to know when
        but along life's journey
            trouble will come in  . . .
there's no escaping
    nowhere to hide
        nothing will prevent it
            it's like a high tide . . .
the question isn't
    will crisis come
        but how will you handle
            yourself till it's done
there's only one way
    to face like's pain
        let Jesus guise your way
            He can stop the rain
 
~Chandra Lynn Smith, 1/16/09~
 
 
            


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Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Just For Today . . . Today . . .1/20/09

Dear Holy friends,
    Today is one of those BIG days for our nation. So many hopes, so many fears, so much excitement, and hooplah. Whether we are pleased with the selection or not, today we get a new President and God is very clear about what we should do. We are to pray for our government officials. I will make a point to pray for the President every single day.
 
In His Grip, Chandra
 
Today's The Day
 
Today's the day
he'll take a vow
enter the office
new President now.
Much the fanfare
celebration all day
everyone hopes
his plan is the way.
Yet, his task is big
the stress so high
not much changes
except the guy.
It matters not
if you voted for him
today he's our leader
rough task he enters in.
He needs our help
each and every day
we must not forget
to get on our knees and pray.
 
~Chandra Lynn Smith, 1/20/09~



Friday, January 16, 2009

a book review

Field of Blood

By: Eric Wilson

Wow! This is the first book by Eric Wilson I have read. I guarantee it will not be my last.  What happens when a storyteller combines history, legend, faith, and truth? He creates a masterful tale of vampires and werewolves that rings so true it will cause you to ponder. Eric Wilson takes a flawed heroine, Gina Lazarescu on a journey from Romania to the USA and back to Romania. His cast of characters both alive and undead and gives his readers an entirely new perspective on the legend of vampires. Field of Blood  the romance of the Twilight series with suspense and thrills.  The battle between the Collectors and the Nistarim in the spiritual realm crosses over into the physical realm. Gina Lazarescu finds herself in a battle to save not only her future, but also that of mankind. This is a powerful book and will cause you to think about many things like the fly on the screen that appears to be staring at you, or the mosquito that flew at you like you were its target all along, and, maybe even that little wound that is taking forever to heal. I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good thriller that causes you to rethink history and legends. It may not necessarily be a good bedtime read, unless  you like vampires invading your dreams.

 

More about the book:


 




Wednesday, January 07, 2009

Just For Today . . .Beauty Into You . . . 1/7/09

Dear Holy Friends,
    We woke to a winter wonderland this morning. And while all of the ice made the roads treacherous, it certainly made the world beautiful. I think of the movie Fantasia and all of the little fairies skating around touching limbs and leaves and freezing them with sparkling ice. How I would love to just go out and stand in the woods beneath all of the glittering trees.
 
In His Grip, Chandra
 
Beauty Into You
 
icicles on trees
sleet falling down
sparkles like glass
beauty all around
overnight change
winter's majesty
another example
God's creativity
one drop of water
freezes with others
making pure beauty
caused by the Father
cold winter world
ugly and gray
touched by the Master
lovely today
inside a heart
may be ugly too
His touch heals
brings beauty into you
 
~Chandra Lynn Smith, 1/7/09~



Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Just For Today . . .For Matthew Charles Arensman . . .1/6/09

Dear Holy Friends,
    I have cried some heavy tears this morning. My cousin Ruth, gave birth to their ninth child last night. They knew he would not survive. Matthew Charles Arensman had Trisomy 9. That is a chromosomal disorder in which the entire 9th chromosome appears three times rather twice in some cells of the body. In the weeks that have passed since Todd and Ruth received confirmation of the diagnosis, their witness to the sanctity of all human life and to God's ultimate perfection in purpose has been a blessing to all around them. When I grow up, I'd like to be like my younger cousin, Ruthie. Now, they must deal with mourning while the rest of the world goes on as normal.
 
This poem is for Todd and Ruth, and Zach,, Allison, Emily, Katie, Hannah, James, Jon, and Nathan.
 
 
For Matthew Charles Arensman
 
flower blooms through a crack in the cement
crocus peeks through the winter snow
rainbow colors a stormy sky
foxfire fungus at nighttime glows
butterflies exit gray cocoons
new buds from winter trees
wilted plants revive with water
sweet honey made by buzzing bees
a seed must die and be buried first
before it can grow tall
faith that is strong and huge
began from something so small
a baby is born and dies
so hard to understand
but for one instant in time
he held his Daddy's hand
somewhere in these moments
Little Matthew touched many hearts
one small life given its chance
God's mercy never departs
one day we'll meet again
this little boy that blessed our souls
for now He rests with Jesus
the Saver of our souls.
 
~Chandra Lynn Smith, 1/6/09~
 
My grandfather's name was  the same as Matthew's middle name, Charles. Somehow, I believe Granny and Granddaddy walked hand in hand to meet little Matthew and welcome him home last night.
 



Monday, January 05, 2009

Just For Today . . . beauty, symmetry, and purpose . . .1/5/09

Dear Holy Friends,
    I began my new year read and found myself marveling once again at the care with which God created our world. Three words really stuck out at me; beauty, symmetry, and purpose. I find myself pondering those three words and think this may be my theme for 2009. I've never given myself a theme before, so am not quite sure how to do so. But I believe God is calling me to find Him each day in the beauty, symmetry, and purpose of the world around me.
 
In His Grip, Chandra
 
Beauty, Symmetry, and Purpose
 
fresh snow on the ground
glitters in the moonlight
white diamonds all around
a beautiful sight
sunrises and sunsets
seasons change on time
God's purposes met
life's symmetry and rhyme
flowers, rain, sunshine
winds, storms, dry
all creation's design
planned by God on high
beauty, symmetry, purpose
in everything He makes
this year that is my focus
no matter what I may face . . .
 
~Chandra Lynn Smith, 1/4/09~



Thursday, January 01, 2009

Just For Today . . . The Black Thread . . . 1/1/09

 
Dear Holy friends,
    The ball dropped and today the parades have gone and the football games begin. We'll be watching the Penn State game this evening. Everyone wishes everyone a happy new year. And, we do all want that. The thing is, for the year to be truly happy, there will have to be some truly not happy things too. For it is the trials and struggles we grow through that show us how to appreciate the good. So, while I wish you a wonderful year, I also pray our Lord is with you through everything you face this year, both the good and the bad.
 
In His Grip, Chandra
 
The Black Thread
 
An artist uses black
it brings detail to the art.
A seamstress uses black thread
to highlight other parts.
In tapestry, the true beauty
shows when black is woven in.
Stained glass is flat
until black lines are drawn in.
A painter knows to make colors rich
black goes in the blend.
Writer's know the darkest emotions
inspire us from within.
 
I could wish you no black threads
which limits who you can be.
Darkness in life is a part
of the final person we see.
There is a truth in this
about dark times in life.
Although our vision in limited
there is purpose in strife.
Artists, seamstresses and writer's know
darkness brings out the beauty too,
and the darkness in your life
will bring out the beauty in you.
 
~Chandra Lynn Smith~