A New House I will Give You

Today I woke in familiar territory, a land long forgotten.
The scents of assuredness and clarity no longer disguised.
Memories surface of treasures and opportunities to be gotten.

I had traveled far from intentionality to lands overgrown
My bed I made with distraction, acceptance, and indulgence.
With these I'm finished, desire has returned and want is known.

Stretching out my tent stakes I take possession my life's territory
In strength of courage I'll clear the overgrowth that hinders light.
It is then that the beauty of the Lord will shine forever on my story.

by Chandra (Coach) Adams
Psalm 68:5-7

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Fighting is one thing, standing another!

How often have we heard, "Having done all, stand firm." repeated? I take no issue with this powerful Word from the book of Ephesians. In fact, I've relied on, quoted it, and "stood" on it time and again. But have we taken the time to grasp the fullness of, or the writer's intentional use of that three letter word, "all"? The only fair thing to do is to read backwards and forwards. When reading the words that precede the passage, we are quickly reminded that this is a call to prepare for battle. An invitation to dress for damage control. Don't believe me? Then note that only one of five elements described actually wields damage. The remainder are for self protection. Reading forward is where we learn that there is more to this "standing" thing than first perceived. After arraying ourselves with defensive garb, we are commanded to pray. Not once, but always! Then challenged to "keep alert", i.e. aware, eyes open. N...

No One's There.

The other day I met a gentleman at the gym, for anonymity sake we'll call him "Robert". I had noticed him the day before when he shuffled across the floor of the pool area and entered the hot tub. His physic was lean but showed signs of age. His shoulders were drooped forward, his swim shorts belted high, and his gait slow. It wasn't my norm, but on this particular Wednesday I had chosen to take advantage of the hot tub after my water aerobics class. In walked Robert. Slowly he descended, holding tightly to the rail. We sat in silence for just a moment or two before he began to ask me questions. At first they were general, non intrusive questions about the water aerobics class he had observed earlier in the week. He liked the music. But then he began to reveal details about himself, unsolicited. I learned he was 79 years old, just about to turn 80, lived alone, and had been coming to this gym for over 14 years. I would have guessed much older, considering the 80 ...

Reflective Thoughts by Chandra Adams

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