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~

JustFor Today . . .Phrases

Dear Holy Friends,
Today's poem is the one I wrote for Mama in her Mother's Day card yesterday. We had a wonderful day sitting on the porch, watching the birds, talking, reading, and being catered to by my guys!

In His Grip, Chandra

Phrases

Phrases we hear . . .

She did it first
It wasn't me
It's not my fault
Mommy Pleeeease
She's just lying
I told you so
It's not fair
You'll just say no
I can't sleep
I'm thirsty
I'm afraid
Mommy hold me . . .

Times changes the phrases a bit . . .

I'm grown up now
I'm on my own
Love you mother
But please let go
I've got some news
Gonna be a mom
I'll need your help
Mama can you come
Look at my baby
This tiny little hand
I could never let go
Mama, now I understand . . .
(c) Chandra Lynn Smith, 2010

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Just For Today . . . in honor of mothers

Dear Holy Friends,     I apologize for the hiatus. I'm back. The next week or so will be dedicated to motherhood and children growing up. I have friends who are grandparents, friends who are pregnant, friends who have a totally empty nest, and those with the nest on the verge. Reflection abounds.   In His Grip, Chandra   This poem was written 5/14/03 when my oldest was on the edge of graduation from high school.   Growing Pains   I sit here on my swing looking back over the years they fly by fast, filled with happiness and tears. Was is yesterday I first nursed him at my breast? But in two weeks he takes his last final test. How could eighteen years have gone so fast? How can his time with us almost have passed? Have I treasured my moments with him enough? Did he understand the times I had to be tough? Will he remember reading, playing, and rocking in my chair? Will he know no matter where he goes my love is always there? Is there more I should have done to help him go forth? Have I done enough to show him his worth? Father, he was entrusted to me by only You, I trusted You to show me what to do. Thanks for the blessing you gave in this sweet son, All of the laughter, tears, joy, anger, and fun. I guess after this, I have one thing left I have to do, It's time to let him go and entrust him back to You.   Brandon Alan Smith, 24

cleaning House

I decided it is time to clean my blog's house a bit. So, I removed all of the back posts. If you track this blog, be watching for new things coming!