Thursday, January 27, 2011

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~

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

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~
    
 

Monday, January 24, 2011

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~

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

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~

Sunday, January 02, 2011

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~