Thursday, September 30, 2010

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~

 

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

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~
            
    

Thursday, September 23, 2010

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~