Reflective Thoughts by Chandra Adams

Last Thursday I was invited to bring the message for Sunday morning's worship services at a Central Texas Women's Prison. It was short notice, but an invitation I gave no hesitation too. It was an answer to prayer. While I frequent prisons to deliver intense advances, based on the book Captivating  by Stasi & John Eldredge, I had just shared with my team my desire to get in front of women who might not, otherwise commit to attending our 2-3 day events. With a road trip home the next day in front of me, it left only one day to put together a message before getting back on the road to return, I had my work cut out for me, or so I thought. The theme proved easy enough. Freedom! After all, I would be speaking on July 1st. A quick google search (don't hate, it's just technology's improvement to the concordance) of the word Freedom immediately turned up Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news t

Cheese and books, a delightful pair! Some of you, like Sniff and Scurry, have raced ahead, scanning content in pursuit of clues to where this blog is headed. Others, having long forgotten the story of two mice and their wee little friends, have furrowed brows, a crooked smile, and are questioning whether to continue on or not. No worries, and no changes required here today. Merely a window of opportunity, a peak inside my maze. Never was there a more apropos word to describe my life, or the season that I'm in, than the word "maze." My life seems to be a series of mishaps, adventures, and findings along an ever changing landscape. But one little thing that never changes is my love for books! I like them by my bed.  I like them near my chair. I like them in my suitcase. I like them everywhere! There's just something about holding the ideas and thoughts of another in my hands. After all, as creative as I was designed to be, there is just so much more available

Six years ago you saved my life. Two thousand years ago you rescued me. Today you continue to pursue my heart. These are the words that flowed so easily from pen to paper. Today, April 15th, is the anniversary of your sparing my life. But today is different. Something is new. My thoughts are just as reflective as last years, but the words don't come... something has changed. I pick up last year's journal to read... Daddy God,  Happy Anniversary... to you! It's the day you chose to spare my life ... not "me"  for I am nothing with out your purpose(s) to live for.  Thank you for the year I've experienced. I've slept in a car, on the floor, in hotels and on the mission field. I've spent time with family and friends over coffee or a meal. I've met strangers that became friends, and known friends that became strangers. What a blessing to get to serve you! I pick up my pen... Abba Father, On this our anniversary,  I thank you!  fo

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious for anything ... Bring your prayer requests ... Prayer. Petition. Thanksgiving. How many times do I/we get stuck in petition — stressing over what's not mine to do — forgetting the beginning and end... aka "Alpha & Omega" A simple request made known to the one who can move heaven and hell — literally — paired with the acknowledgement of not only of His abilities, but His posture towards us — a receptive heart — is all that stands between anxiousness and answer. Yet, everything contrary to the truth of His nature — who He is, and what He longs to do for you and I — looms outside that open door to redemption — including fear — in the absence of anything , the right now, today, proof. While we wait for the answer, He waits for thanksgiving. Our right now proof awaits, our humble posture.

A butterfly fights against its cocoon,      its own confinement strengthens      instilling fortitude for the journey. Now released      spread your wings and fly      you'll make the distance. A ship fights against its lines      its own anchor protects      assuring safety for a time. Lines untied      set sail for uncharted waters      you've land to take and adventure awaits.

Don't have one? According to my calendar it's not too late! Getting a "word" for the year has become a highly popular year-end activity. Some treat the act similar to the old "name it and claim it" exercise. While others make it a heart matter, passionately pursuing the voice of God. I fall in the latter group. Pressing in to not only obtain direction for the year, but to hear His confirming voice on the completion of the last. This practice has landed two truths for me (actually several more, but for the purpose of this blog we'll stick to just two) First, I don't "hear" my new word until February. This is due in part to truth #2. You see, in spite of the wisdom I've gained from, and about, my word, I still get surprised by a "new" rhema (aka understanding) that comes as each year closes. Whether it's due to the practiced review process or the intentional desire to leave nothing on the table (unreceived), God faithfully

Intimidation partnered with exhaustion will push you into a cave.  How could this be? How had I gone from living in the light of destiny to denying it's very attainability? I had seen the promised land, the place of outstretched tents, and yet I had chosen retreat. The voice of defeat, more specifically the invitation to quit, was overwhelming and all consuming. Hiding from mission, I was avoiding the push back required to stand firm in faith. I had reached a "crisis of Faith". It is in the darkness that the lies of your enemy blind you from the workings of God. It is this cave-like place where a whispered lie reverberates against the walls of wisdom to overtake your peace. But it is also a whisper that can echo liberty, setting you free. Tone deaf and lost, a spiritual vertigo had over taken me. The sensation of whirling and loss of balance confirmed insecurity. All I could see was defeat. But your people spoke up, raised a helping hand. Your people fed me th