The Pondering Heart . . .the days between . . .11/29/11

Dear Holy Friends, My Christmas mugs and dishes are out. Other things will slowly find their places in the next two weeks. I love going to pick Adam up from wrestling each evening and seeing which houses have added their lights to the displays. Christmas is my magic as many of you know. That Jesus chose to leave royalty for me is overwhelming. And that is the heart of it. Whether he was born in December or July, is not nearly as important as the fact he was born. And that is what I celebrate, why I love the magic! So, here's to another year of The Pondering Heart poems.   In his Grip, chandra   the days between thanksgiving ends family goes back leftovers are consumed routines on track, decorations go up each day a few more turkey replaced with tinsel galore, hustle and bustle grumpy people seen we can lose the magic in the days in between, advent means waiting for the Savior to come don't forget that part when getting shopping done, the carols, the lights, the candles point to Christmas joy we must never lose sight the holiday is about the Boy . . .   ~Chandra Lynn Smith, 11/29/11~

Just For Today . . . soul moments .. 11/21/11

Dear Holy Friends,   The clouds and rain today are so very typical of Thanksgiving week in this part of PA. So, typical that if it is a sunny week it feels out of place. But you know what, this dreary weather makes the whole cooking of things cozy! I wrote this poem on a sunny morning, obviously. But just wanted to send it today. Maybe today you will find your 'soul moments.'   In His Grip, Chandra   SOUL MOMENTS In the field I see diamonds sparkling like sunlight really they are spider webs covered with dew overnight. In the woods is gold brilliant in its hue really it is maple leaves indicating fall is almost through. In my yard I hear music sweet songs touching my heart really it is winter birds heralding the season's start. In my house there is beauty and a soft enveloping peace even in the chaos of family their love makes trials cease. In this life there are moments God reaches into your soul He desires to show you His love is in control. ~Chandra Lynn Smith~

Just For Today . . . calm the storm or us . . . 11/18/11

Dear Holy Friends,     This week has been a struggle. And something tells me I am not the only one who has struggled this week. Storms come to us in all sizes and forms. They blow us around and beat us up and tear into our hearts. At the end of a week like this my husband and I look at each other and say "It was a long month this week." Has your week been a long month? I need to remember when the storms are here he is with me. I need to run to Him before I vent. So, today's poem is about storms.   In His Grip, Chandra   Calming Storms Or Us   Is there a storm brewing in your life that you asked Him to take away? Are you filled with worry and stress not sure what you should say? Sometimes He chooses to calm the storm and make the rough times cease. Other times calming us in the midst of it is how our faith will increase. He is there beside you right now will help you see it through. He asks you give all of it to Him don't rely so much on you. When you open your heart and release the storm into His hands.                                       He'll either calm it or he'll calm you as you trust in His plans.   ~Chandra Lynn Smith, edited 11/18/11~

JustFor Today . . . the last straw . . . 11/17/11

 

Dear Holy Friends,   Last night I slipped and fell in the mud. Landed on my pavers on my knees, right knee taking main impact, right achilles tendon stretched, left hamstring pulled, mud all over me. And I wanted to just stay in the mud and cry for a while. You know how it goes, it wasn't really about the mud, it was just that the mud was the last straw to an emotional day. So, this poem today is about 'last straws.'   In His Grip, Chandra   the last straw when the last straw happens what do you do because it's not the straw upsetting you, you sit there in the mud wipe a tear away it's okay to ask what happened to your day, but in the middle of the mud know you're not alone God is in there with you you're not on your own, when the moment is over He'll still be there walking with you through the pain forever in His care. ~Chandra Lynn Smith, 11/17/11~

Just For Today .. .visiblew grace . . .11/16/11

dear Holy Friends,   It seems like a few more of my poems about his Grace are appropriate for right now. I know in the middle of difficult times, it is almost impossible to see the grace's abundance. But, we must try, because it is always there.   In His Grip, Chandra     Visible Grace Without rain and sunshine plants can't grow. Animals care for their young but must also let them go. The sun rises and then sets every single day. In nature, both good and bad God shows us the way. You'll have sun and rain in life days of joy and times of woe. He never promised freedom from trials just that His love will not let us go. His hand weaves the beauty all around His grace we see. And nowhere is it more visible than the moment it sets us free. ~Chandra Lynn Smith~

Just For today . . .Invasion of grace . . .11/15/11

 

dear Holy friends,   My Pastor has a saying that has resonated with me from the first time I heard him say it. It is easy to have a day where the praise or the joy is elusive. And we just don't feel like even trying to find it. Pastor Scott says, "sometimes we have to act ourselves into a feeling." So, this week before Thanksgiving, I shall focus on poems about grace and praise. Some of you will recognize some of them. I hope to submit a few new ones too. Happy Tuesday.   In His Grip, Chandra     Invasion of Grace On a church pew in the morning dew on a bench in the park alone in the dark at home or workplace an invasion of grace. The man with tattoos stories on the news the songs of the birds reading the Word a tear on the face an invasion of grace. He is always there He will always care no matter what you do He is there too creating a space for the invasion of grace ~Chandra Lynn Smith~

Just For Today . . . thank you . . . 11/11/11

dear Holy Friends,   I know I haven't been as faithful with my poetry this year as usual. I apologize. I hope to do better in the days to come. Here is my poem in honor of Veteran's Day.   In His Grip, Chandra Lynn Smith     I can sit here and write because they gave their lives. I can complain and whine because they gave their time. I can walk free and strong because their lives weren't long. I can sleep tonight because they won the fight. I can say thank you as we all should do. Their service is for me the reason I live free. Chandra Lynn Smith, 11/10/11