Just For Today . . . Reason To Sing . . . 2/27/11

Dear Holy Friends,     I haven't posted poems recently. This entire month has been a whirlwind. My father is in stage four cancer and helping him has been the focus. The emotions, feeling, thoughts in my head jumble, and while I am writing lots, it hasn't been poetry. But this morning, I filled my bird feeders and within minutes all my birds were there. I sat and watched them and thanked God for the joy those birds bring me every morning.   Reason To Sing Sometimes my mind has no word     to describe how I feel inside         how there's so much to face             and wonder if I could hide. Sometimes there are many words     fighting for the space in my head         each one legitimate             but filling my heart with dread. Then my Father reminds me     He is bigger than what I face         catches every tear             His love covers me with grace. The birds at my feeder know     sun, moon, and stars all understand         everything in life             filters through His loving hands. When trials threaten to choke      try to drag happiness away         Jesus whispers to me             His joy forever stays. In my heart I am aware     no matter what this day will bring         I can walk it in faith             He'll give me reason to sing.   ~Chandra Lynn Smith, 2/26/11~

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~

Pondering Heart . . . the Shadow of the Cross

 

Dear Holy friends,

    As 2010 comes to a close, may we once more ponder together. I believe this is my favorite Christmas picture because in one photo it tells all. May we carry the magic of Christmas through the coming winter right into the sacrifice and salvation of Easter.

 

In His Grip, Chandra

 

The Shadow of The Cross

 

                                              The infant in the manger

                                              tiny and brand new,

                                              how could it be

                                              He would save me and you?

                                              No crowns and royal clothing

                                              for this King of kings,

                                              rags and a smelly barnyard

                                              for the Lord of everything.

                                              Lying in the golden hay

                                              the innocence of a baby boy,

                                              heavenly royalty

                                              wrapped in newborn joy.

                                              God, in the babe in the hay

                                              let the miracle not be lost,

                                              look closely in this Holy light

                                              and see the shadow of the cross.

 

~Chandra Lynn Smith~

                                                                                   

Pondering Heart . . . I Wonder

Dear Holy Friends,   All around us people are already getting ready for the 'next thing.' Only four days after Christmas and so many have already taken their decorations down. I'm one of those who hangs on until January 6th so the wise men will arrive to a house still festive! But it isn't so much the decorations coming down that bothers me as it is the push for what is next and the loss of the magic. May we NEVER lose the magic that points us toward the cross.   In His Grip, Chandra   I Wonder   Fresh hay has a fragrant smell but manure can overpower. I wonder which was in the air at Jesus' birthing hour?                                       Animals give off body heat but they also snort and groan. I wonder was it warm and quiet as pains made Mary moan?   Childbirth is a miracle of life but it brings blood and pain. I wonder how Mary found comfort as birth caused her body to strain?   Christmas is a wonder Love came down to earth. May I never take lightly the way of my Savior's birth.   ~Chandra Lynn Smith~

Pondering Heart . . . Born

Dear Holy Friends,   Some of you are buried in snow right now. We had 6-10 inches predicted and got a flurry or two. But the wind is harsh and cold out there. And my Savior began His life not in a house with a warm, cozy fireplace, but in a stable, a bed of hay, animals accompanying his mother's lullabies. Wow.   In His Grip, Chandra   Born   One night in a barn     lonely manger, star bright         baby's birth, mother's heart             true worship, holy night Scent of hay, night air     animals eating, cows mooing         stable sounds, night not quiet             in the noise baby cooing Heaven opened, angels appeared     royalty in a bed of hay         wisemen visit, songs of joy             salvation come to earth that day Father's love in a baby boy     creator living among His own         manger in the shadow of a cross             born our sin to atone.   ~Chandra Lynn Smith~

Pondering Hearts . . . Fingers and Toes

Dear Holy Friends,   I have been sitting in my Granny's old victorian love seat beside the Christmas tree since before daybreak. The tree, the candles, the fire in the fireplace, the coffee, and my dog at my feet . . .aahh! Merry Christmas everyone.   In His Grip, Chandra   Fingers and Toes   Ten fingers, ten toes, dark hair, crinkled nose, tiny feet, soft skin, dark eyes, tiny chin, sleeping peacefully, crying loud, beautiful baby, parents proud.                           Baby's breathing, pounding heart, perfect child, joy starts, baby noises, bright eyes, tiny movements, contented sighs, sleep interrupted, time compressed, life enriched, family blessed.   Every parent feels this way, long ago and still today, Holy night in a manger stall, God on earth in a babe small, I bet his mother kissed His nose and counted fingers and tiny toes.   ~Chandra Lynn Smith~

Pondering Heart . . . Not Here Not Now

Dear Holy Friends,     It is Christmas Eve. I look forward to the singing and gospels and candles at church tonight. I look forward to standing outside late tonight while I am walking the dogs and feeling the magic, the peace. It is there every year on Christmas Eve. Somehow, I bet magic is not the word Mary and Joseph would have used to describe their experiences that night.   In His Grip, Chandra       "While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn,  a son. She wrapped him in clothes and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:6-7   Not Here, Not Now                                       Not here, not now,                                     not in this place I want to be home.                                     It's not time, it cannot be,                                     it's just Joseph and me all alone.                                      Why a stable, not even a room,                                     how could there be nowhere to stay?                                     I thought we'd get home in time,                                     then the pains started today.                                                   Not here, not now,                                     not in a barn, I should be at home.                                     What happened God, is something wrong,                                     why are we all alone?                                     Mama should be here, or someone at least                                     who is going to help me?                                     Can Joseph do this, does he know how?                                     God, I wish your plan I could see.                                       Not here, not now,                                     not in a strange town, not all alone.                                     I'm scared Lord, it hurts Lord,                                     we cannot do this on our own.                                     The star in the sky is that from You?                                     Are you saying that You are with us too?                                     My faith is big but right now my trust is small,                                     I'm weary I cannot remember what to do.                                        . . . Not here, not now                                       ~Chandra Lynn Smith~

Pondering Hearts . . . What Have I Done?

Dear Holy Friends,   I remember a rattle trap motel in Two Guns, Arizona. My Daddy wanted to get a few more miles in before we stopped for the night. So, we did. And, at Two Guns, there was one motel and a pizza place. I remember how much fun it was to get to eat pizza in our motel room- something my parents never let us do. I also remember Momma not allowing us to take baths that night because of the filth in the bathroom that night- something else we never got to do. This motel was disgusting, and most likely a very dangerous lace for a family of five.   And, then there was Mary, in labor, weary, and the innkeeper had to turn them away. I often wonder how he felt? What did his wife say about him offering a stable to the couple?   In His Grip, Chandra   . . . because there was no room for them in the inn . . . Luke 2:7     What Have I Done?                                               What have I done, it feels wrong?                                     I have a feeling this night will be long.                                     They looked so weary, especially his wife,                                     Will I regret this the rest of my life?                                                                           She looked like the babe could come this night,                                     giving them the stable probably wasn't right.                                     But isn't that better than leaving them in the cold?                                     Right now I just feel mean and old.                                                                           Then on top of it all they thanked me,                                     for providing a place so measly.                                     Something tells me this is an important night,                                     as important as that new star shining bright.                                                                           I will go check and be sure all is well,                                     one day this may be a story that I tell.                                     I'll tell about the full town and the two who stood out,                                     whose presence changed me of that there is no doubt.   ~Chandra Lynn Smith~

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~