Pondering Heart . . . Road Trip

Dear Holy friends,   I remember traveling by car when I was nine months pregnant. Ugh! And Mary did it by donkey. Wow. How they must have wondered what in the world God was doing. And, at some point in life I believe each of us do. We could learn from Mary and Joseph.   In His Grip, Chandra   Road Trip   The journey was long the donkey ride rough as they moved along I'm sure it was tough. She must have felt every bump in the road the baby she carried was a heavy load. I bet Joseph worried if she would make it through and if something went wrong what he would do. When the pains began was there fear and joy confusion when a manger was the birthplace of the Boy? Isn't that how God does it? does things His own way. As Mary and Joseph traveled their obedience showed us the way.   ~Chandra Lynn Smith~

Pondering Heart . . . Joseph Ponders

Dear Holy friends,   Today I heard all of the lovely contemporary songs about Joseph. I love the line, ' how can a man be father to the son of God?' Maybe it's because I have four sons, but I often ponder Joseph and the amazing man he had to be. I hope to sit with him in heaven one day and have a talk. You know? So, this poem is my concept of Joseph's point of view.   In his Grip, Chandra   Joseph Ponders   I watch her grow and change each day, She gets more lovely if there is a way. This woman puts me to shame, her faith great, mine looks lame. How can she be strong yet mild, a woman outside but inside a child?   Father, I know you foretold this would be. just never expected it would happen to me. Now, as I see Mary, I worry for her safety, some women die when they have a baby. It wouldn't fit your plan for her to die, but I still worry, don't know why.   What does she feel when the babe moves inside? Will I be a Father in whom he can confide? How will it feel to hold Him to my heart? Will you show me Lord, please give me a start? Am I doing right are You glad You chose me? Help me be the man you wish me to be.   The sun rises, our journey begins, I must protect Mary from the harsh winds. She takes each challenge with joy in her heart, I am thankful in this plan I have a part. When she smiles and says "Joseph the Lord is here." I am ready to go on boldly and without fear.   ~Chandra Lynn Smith~

Pondering Heart . . .head Full of Thoughts

Dear Holy friends,   I just said goodbye to my Momma. Her journey is flying to spend Christmas in Orlando with my older sister. Mary's journey was so very difficult for us to begin to comprehend. The next few days I may actually post more than one poem a day as we prepare for the joy of Saturday. This one is about a journey.   In his Grip, Chandra   In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. . . .So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married  to be married to him and was expecting a child. Luke 2:1,4-5                                                Head Full Of Thoughts sleep eluding baby moving leg cramps at night, body bloating emotions floating dreams filled with fright, world changing life rearranging not feeling ready at all, packing gear time is near that donkey looks so small, faith wavering home savoring soon is time to go, Lord blessing peace caressing trust means letting worries go.   ~Chandra Lynn Smith~

Pondering Heart . . . What He Gave Up For Me

Dear Holy Friends,     For some Christmas will be a wonderful time. For others not so much. For some their tree will be overflowing with gifts. For others not so much. For some this holiday is the magic time of year. For others not so much. Today my prayer is that we all find a moment to remember what Jesus gave up for us. I think in the remembering, we find our 'not so muches' aren't that much, after all.   In His Grip, Chandra   What He Gave Up For Me He traded a throne for a manger Angel songs for a donkey bay Royal position for poverty Glory for a bed of hay   Adoration for submission Worship for a carpenter's life Heaven for a fallen earth Peace for pain and strife.   That night in Bethlehem A hay filled manger bed Royalty became one of us Condemnation became salvation instead.   ~Chandra Lynn Smith~

Pondering heart . . . What Makes the Worth

Dear Holy Friends,     I watched a bird in the wind the other day. I have no clue if it was struggling or playing. But it faced the wind, flapping wigs wildly, going nowhere. It remained in midair flying in place.That reminded me of King Solomon's 'chasing the wind.' All of life for us is like that bird flapping and going no we here without our Savior. And, that's what this season of Advent is all about.   In His Grip, Chandra   WHAT MAKES THE WORTH   Chase the wind     that's what it's been         futility             empty within. I've prayed and tried     to do my best         now I'm weary             in need of rest. Daunted by doubt     frozen by fear         wondering what             I'm doing here. It will happen     to everyone         no wonder God             sent us His Son. Life has no value     nothing of worth         till we celebrate             our Savior's birth. Don't chase the wind     whirling around         see the manger's shadow             is a cross on the ground.   ~Chandra Lynn Smith, 12/7/09~

Pondering Heart . . . Facing The Future

Dear Holy Friends, I am enjoying the fire and the light coating of snow on the ground this morning and I just listened to the MeryMe song, Joseph's Lullaby. What a lovely song. This poem comes from that place.   In His Grip, Chandra     Facing the Future   They sat at the edge of town neither ready to go home, each selfishly wanting to keep this moment for their own. After wrestling their own thoughts a few angel visits passed, Mary and Joseph stood facing their families at last. Each step took them closer there was no way to turn back, I look at them  and know their kind of faith I lack. I sit here awaiting Christmas celebrating His arrival on earth, but fear maybe I often miss the miracle behind His birth. I look at Mary and Joseph following God's unbelievable plan, and realize I would do well to imitate this woman and this man.   Chandra Lynn Smith, 12/11/10

A Book Review

A Year With God by R.P. NettelhorstI was given to me for the sole purpose to read and review. In a time when devotionals are a dime a dozen, from all denominations, church groups, backgrounds, I was doubtful there would be something much new about this one. I was wrong. R.P. Nettelhorst has a clear understanding and insight into God's Word. This books is broken into topics, so you can pick it up any time of the year and focus on devotions appropriate to whatever you are dealing with at that moment. It can also be read from start to finish from the beginning of the year too the end. The readings are long enough to touch a heart but short enough to fit right into your day! It's a great devotional.

 

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

Pondering Heart . . . Then and Now . . .12/6/10

Dear Holy Friends,   The other day I was thinking about how weird our nation has become about things, how we are raising a generation of frightened children instead of teaching them bold faith and strength of character. It seems to me the world we live in now has as much or more need of a Savior than the world our Savior was born into.   In his Grip, Chandra   Then and Now   sinful people turned from God hope nowhere found, heavenly Father sends His Son real love came down.   unemployment disbelief sorrow and need, long ago like now dark and pain grow like weeds.   newborn baby tiny child Savior to all, a broken world finds salvation in a stable stall.   ~Chandra Lynn Smith, 12/4/10~

Pondering Hearts . . . December 3,2010

Dear Holy Friends,   I apologize for starting my Pondering heart series two days late. I have been trying to write some new poems to go with the old ones for this season. So, in the days to come, I will do my best to post every day, even weekends, with the series of Christmas poetry. Today's is an old one to get us started.   Note: All poetry is written by me and should not be reproduced.   In his Grip, Chandra Lynn Smith     A Heart That Ponders   Within my mind are words and phrases my heart holds things deep. Memories, and joys, and problems often I lose sleep. My head is full of questions  many thoughts to ponder. Mary pondered things in her heart and that fills me with wonder. I think of  people we read about in the life of our Lord. I wish to chat with each of them and write down every word. As we start this season of love and prepare for the Savior's birth, I shall ponder His birth to resurrection how in me God sees such worth.   ~Chandra Lynn Smith~ (C)ChaLynnPublishing2006

Just For Today . . . Rhythms . . 11/18/10

Dear Holy Friends,     This is one of those times of year when nature appears fickle. One day is cold and frosty and the next is sunny and warm, then the cold rains fall. It is like nature has it's syncopation mixed up. But God created the rhythms and has all of them in control. We would do well to keep that in mind.   In his Grip, Chandra Lynn Smith     RHYTHMS   The sun rises at the end of every night and in that rhythm everything is right.   Ocean waves beat the shore tides come in and go out nothing stops the pattern on that never doubt.   Seasons change in their time that is always true security is found in nature emulates God's for you.   Winds blow, rains come you know it will be nature's patterns continue despite what happens to you and me.   There is comfort in that when the world falls apart know the keeper of the rhythms is also the keeper of your heart.     Chandra Lynn Smith

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

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~ Weekly column: http://www.eveningsun.com/localcolumns Inspirational Blog: http://chandrasplace.blogspot.com/ Business: http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Best.Friend.Dog.Training.717-359-9330

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!

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!

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~

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~

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~

Check out Who's the boss? - Evening Sun

Who's the boss? - Evening Sun

just for today . . .visible grace . . .6/4/10

Dear Holy Friends,   Most of you know that I see God more in nature than anything else. I think in my lifetime I have written more poems about nature than anything else. But how can someone look to creation and not see the Creator? It baffles me. Because His graceful hand shows us the meaning of Grace in all he created.   In his Graceful Grip, Chandra   Visible Grace   Without sunshine and rain plants cannot grow. Animals care for their young but also let them go. The sun rises and also sets both every day. In all of nature, good and bad God shows us the way. Life hold both sun and rain days of joy, times of woe. There's no freedom from trials but His love never lets us go. His hand weaves the beauty of nature everywhere His grace we see. It's most visible when invisible inside a heart He just set free.   ~Chandra Lynn Smith~