Just For today . . . The Short List . . .9/30/10

Dear Holy Friends,     The sound of pouring rain is welcome after months without rain. However, we appear to be getting an entire summer's worth of rain in one day today! There will be flooding and tornado watches, and winds and things. Please keep the east coast in your prayers. The Bible tells us that the Lord inhabits the praises of his people. So, let us think of our lists of praises on this rainy day . . .   In His Grip, Chandra Lynn Smith   The Short List   sunrise, sunset rain, wind, and snow . . . clouds, storms thunder, and rainbows . . . flowers, trees grass and weeds . . . corn, tomatoes things grown from seeds . . . hummingbirds, songbirds tadpoles and frogs . . . soaring hawks horses, cats  and dogs . . . friends, family house full of love . . . blessings abundant thanking God above . . .   ~Chandra Lynn Smith~

Just For Today . . . Weird People . . .9/28/10

Dear Holy Friends,   As I packed my things to head home from the American Christian Fiction Writer's conference I didn't want the conference to end. I didn't want to say goodbye to all the friends I probably won't see again for a year- if I get to go next year. And my brain overflowed with information. Tim Downs had opened the event with a speech encouraging us all to enjoy being around other 'weird' people like us. Imagine, over 600 fiction writers in one place!   There is something to be said for hanging out with other 'weird' people like yourself! And aren't we Christians a bit weird too?   In His Grip, Chandra   Weird People There's something different     something others can see         they may not understand             weird people like you and me. We have the same struggles     some days hurt very deep         but there's an inner peace             even when life makes us weep We get hurt, depressed, sad     have to trudge through tough days         but always there's a Savior             guiding all of our ways And in the moments of joy     we look to heavens above         and thank our heavenly Father             for His mercy and love No matter what life brings to us     within our hearts we are free         the Savior walks with us always             weird people like you and me.   ~Chandra Lynn Smith. 9/28/10~

Just For Today . . . Heaven Touched Earth . . . 9/23/10

Dear Holy Friends,     Yesterday we had some wild thunderstorms move through here. For a while Adam and I watched the lightning with wonder. Then it got very close. The wind blew so strong it almost knocked me over. So we went inside. Later, after the storm ended there were trees down all over everywhere. Today on the other hand is hot, clear, and beautiful. It's summer's way of teasing me that fall arrived yesterday! But this poem just seems to fit . . .   In his grip, Chandra Lynn Smith   HEAVEN TOUCHED EARTH       There are days now and then             when bits of heaven touch earth,                     when you know without a doubt                             all created thing have 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.                                                         ~ (c)Chandra Lynn Smith~