Just For Today . . . Thankls of Rocks and Man

Dear Holu friends,   I actually have a rock collection. Used to collect them on every family trip. The rocks are labeled and my sons have used them in science projects over the years. I love sparkly rocks! Momma reminded me how I used to go to sleep at night with a special rock under  my pillow and she dare not move it or I would be distraught. Maybe it was my little girl reminder to thank God?   In his Grip, Chandra   Thanks of Rocks and Man   What happened today     that took away your smile? Did you look to God     and shout questions of why? Or maybe the day     was the best it could be. Did you look upward     thankful for everything? The truth is we should     praise God no matter what. Whether good or bad     thankfulness is the start. Jesus said praise always     so His glory shines through. And if you fail to     rocks will do it for you. So, today trust in Him     in the midst of each thing. Offer a thankful heart     and He'll give reason to sing. ~Chandra Lynn Smith, 1/26/11~

Just Fpor Today . . . On Rocks #3

Dear Holy Friends,   Sometimes the rocks in our lives are inside us. Those are the toughest ones to deal with. And, they can only be softened by our Savior.   In His Grip, Chandra   on rocks #3=  Stone Hearts Softened   he left me alone     found another still can't get over     losing mother daddy lost his job     we have no home illness, chronic pain     feel so alone   the hurts in your life     harden the heart one by one, struggles     make joy depart Jesus feels your pain     hurts held inside He bottles each tear     whenever you cry   what you face this day     isn't bigger than Him nothing can happen     His grace isn't in even when there's so much     your heart feels like stone His love reaches in and     makes your heart His own.   ~Chandra Lynn Smith, 1/26/11~

Just For Today . . . On Rocks #1

Dear Holy Friends,   I was doing some reading this weekend and ended up searching out references to rocks. The thing is there are both good and bad things I find. This week we're going to have a look at them. Sin ensnares us, sometimes it sneaks up and catches us unaware, other times we walk willingly into it. But, always there is grace and mercy when we run from it. And, when we judge someone else for their sin, we would do well to see Jesus as He wrote in the dirt.   In his Grip, Chandra   On Rocks #1   standing in the circle clenching it in their hands ready to wing it hard knowing where it should land . . . crouching, afraid, alone she braces for the onslaught unsure where exactly he went she just knows she was caught . . .   Jesus drew in the sand slowly and spoke words for us all the one without sin go first that's how she will fall . . .   look at the rocks we hold remember sins of our own see her worried eyes, ponder at the grace Jesus shows . . . drop our rocks on the ground and reach in love to her find the meaning of forgiveness mercy makes sin just a blur . . .   wherever you are today throwing rocks or in the sin Jesus offers the only way His perfect love casts out sin . . . so run to Him arms outstretched dropping rocks to the ground mercy at the foot of the cross grace in Him always found . . .   ~Chandra Lynn Smith, 1/24/11~

just for today . . . snow . . . 1/12/11

Dear Holy Friends,   While I am not a fan of winter, I would have to be stupid to miss the beauty God created overnight with ice. It is the most beautiful sight out my windows. I think my birds are quite pleased I filled the feeders yesterday too!   In his grip, Chandra   Snow   new fallen snow lovely new day overnight changing beauty from grey   feel the silence smell purity hear the freshness stillness you see   a mixing of senses tasting the new God still creating blessings for you   ~Chandra Lynn Smith, 1/12/11~

Just For Today . . . on new year's

dear Holy Friends,     New year's is one of those holidays that is either all or nothing, I think. Some see it as the perfect opportunity to start with a clean slate. Others see it as another reason to wonder why bother. Of course, then there are those who just see it as a reason to get drunk. I use it for reflection and hope the things I did well last year I can repeat, and the things I messed up I won't. Happy New Year.   In His Grip, Chandra                 on new year's The year dawns with hope and joy and plans     it will be better than the last one         everyone is bound to say. The revelry, the cheers and the fun     something about new year is hopeful         the chance for a better way. We move forward into the next year     leaving old cares and worries behind         all we want is a new start. But life isn't like the calendar     trials not bound by dates and years       life is gonna hold some dark.  The tough times we face and struggle through     do not have to ruin and destroy         place them in the Master's hands. As artists or tapestries all know     black paint highlights, outlines, and defines        dark will bring the beauty through. I could wish you only happiness      a year without sadness or pain         but would that be best for you? Our Father knows what is best for us     if we entrust our lives to his care         His love will carry us through.   ~Chandra Lynn Smith, 1/1/11~