Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Just For Today . . . darkness . . . 10/27/10

Dear Holy Friends,
    I have a friend named Julie whose mother just passed away. Her father died two years ago. Two weekends ago we caught up in the grocery store and I just held her some while she cried. There are others I know who suffer loss, sadness, depression. This poem is for anyone who finds the darkness calling to them. Even in the dark times, Jesus is there with you. Always remember that.
 
In His Grip, Chandra
 

Darkness comes in many forms

as sleep that provides rest

but sometimes it swallows whole

squeezing air out of your chest

and as you lie there gagging

you decide it is for the best . . .                      

 

Darkness can weigh you down

push you into a deep hole

hold you so tightly

you have no control

of thoughts or actions or

any part of your soul . . .

 

And when the darkness gets this big

it becomes all you can see

you cannot find a safe place

where you can be free

the darkness is all there is

and becomes all you can be . . .

 

They will tell you to get over it

it is all going to pass

you choke and strangle

and know it is going to last

and no one else could ever know

the feeling you cannot get past . . .

 

I know this darkness you are in

because I have lived in it too

I know the things you feel

what they make you want to do

I know it seems no end in sight

and no way for any rescue . . .

 

Friend, I sit here on the edge

of the darkness looking at your face

I know you are feeling                      

you cannot escape this place

so I will jump in with you

and wipe the tears off of your face . . .

 

No matter what you face this day, I bet you have a friend ready to jump in and face it with you. And I know you have Jesus to carry you. God bless your hearts.

 
Chandra Lynn Smith

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Just For Today . . . Chambers of the Soul . . .10/26/10

Dear Holy friends,
    Once again I find myself apologizing for not sending the poems out as often. I have so many poems dancing around in my head. I need to catch them and write them down and sahre. I shall endeavor to do better at sending my poems out. I will mix old ones and new. So, in the days to come you will see familiar ones as well as new.
 
In His Grip. Chandra
 

Chambers of The Soul

 

Every heart has chambers

    regulating blood flow,

within the human heart

    are chambers of the soul.

Some chambers are closed tight

    wounds and hurts reside there.

Some are filled with love and joy

    we guard them with care.

There are chambers buried deep

    holding things fears and regret.

Others are empty and open

    awaiting what has not happened yet.

Cherish and protect the chambers

    each is a part of the whole.

There is a poem within every life

    written in the chambers of the soul.

 

 
Chandra Lynn Smith

"we owe our readers fresh words to describe the rain" ~By Cunning and Craft, pg 28~

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Book Review: Ozark Weddings, by: Anita Higman and Janice Thompson

If you enjoy a quick romance, endearing characters, a setting that pretty much becomes a character, and stories that connect to each other, then Ozark Weddings will fit the bill. I am also always impressed when two authors can work together and, by aligning their talents, create such wonderful stories.

All three books in the Ozark Weddings collection are charming. You will love the characters and cheer for their loves. You will get mad at their miscommunications, or wrong perceptions, and you will keep reading page after page to be sure everything works out in the end. Does it? I am not a spoiler, you have to read for yourself. These books are fun to read and I am sure lovers of romance will love alll three books.

a book review of The Master's Wall,by Sandi Rog

It always amazes me when a debut novel is captivating, endearing, and reads like this author has been around for a long time. Sandi Rog's debut novel, The Master's Wall, is such a novel. This may be her first, but I'm sure she will be around for a long time.
 
The Master's Wall is the story of David,a young Hebrew, who is taken into captivity and enslaved to serve in a large villa outside of Rome.
 
While freedom and escape beckon him, another tie holds him there. Alethea, the master's granddaughter is ruled by his tyranny and in danger when she defies the marriage being forced upon her.
 
The slave boy and the master's graddaughter grow up together and into love. But will betrayal and mixed loyaties ruin both of their futures? Can David's God work into Alethea's heart and push all of her gods away?
 
This is a great book. I highly recommend it. Be prepared to be surprised. Oh, you might want some tissues handy, also!

Saturday, October 23, 2010

a Christmas Book Review

The Nativity Collection
by: Robert J. Morgan
 
I was delighted by the stories in this book. Robert J. Morgan has written six short stories that make Christmas much more meaningful. This is one of those rare books you will get out every Christmas, sit on your coffee table and enjoy reading through the season. Sit down in front of the tree and wrap yourself up in family. read it out loud to everyone. Oh yes, be sure to have the tissues closeby.
 
It would make a great gift, but be sure to keep one for yourself also!