Filling In

And so, since God in his mercy has given us this wonderful ministry,
we never give up. 2Cr 4:1

Before I realized it, I was picking myself up. I didn’t even have time to think,
“No this can’t be happening at work?”

As I was falling, I could see myself, it felt like I was witnessing a slow motion picture, but instead of the star role being acted out by someone else it was me. I had no control over what was occurring- it was a surreal moment at 2pm in the afternoon on the steps of Phenix Hall.

I really believed or no maybe I thought I had caught myself, but my dusty pant leg revealed another truth. My feet and upper body weren’t in sync- they didn’t cooperate as I held on to the banister just momentarily before my fall. I realized it was much too late. It wasn’t a terrible fall, but I knew it wasn’t a pretty sight. A student that stood at the bulletin board pretended not to see my fall. I knew she saw, and heard the thud. Silently I thanked her for letting me have a shred of dignity. But she could have at least said, “Are you ok?” It surprised me that she just turned her back as though I wasn’t there. The shock to my body didn’t initially feel bad, but as I write this devotional, replay the mental tapes and acknowledge that I knew I had fallen, I am feeling just a little achy.

Prior to the fall I answered the phone, listen to the requested instructions and there I was in pursuit (interpreting the spoken and unspoken requests)- carrying out the task of opening conference doors, greetings guests most cordially, opening window to let air circulate in the conference room, having small talk and awaiting the intended parties which were really suppose to be meeting. It was my mission to fill in- make the atmosphere more comfortable, smile pleasantly, answering the questions as best I could and respond intelligently –I at least hoped. Not as soul seemed to notice that my transparent halo was crooked, or that my clothes possibly were a little rumpled! So my mission was accomplished! None of the guests noticed as I reflected that just seconds before that conversation –I had literally and figuratively picked myself up off the stairwell, dusted my shocked body off and entered the department’s waiting area to greet our guests. Outwardly I was composed, inwardly I was shaken!

How often have you done the same thing friends? Fallen and had to quickly get moving! As I’ve heard it said, “Keep it moving!” or how about this one? “You don’t have time for sniveling, big girls/big boys don’t cry!”

I had fallen as I descended the stairs in a hurried pace. Many times in life as we are climbing so many ladders, negotiating many kinds of stairwells in our life we may get hurt along the way carrying hidden scars with the appearance of having it all together. I’d like to think that God desires that we view these stairs or ladders as personal challenges or trials we face in life. Some challenges we get through with ease and others that’s just not the case.

These challenges may be evident for others to witness as we go through, the operative word being through! Who dictates the time piece? Often it’s out of our control, or possibly it’s negligence or poor planning or maybe a mistake? Whatever it is, the duration may take us through days, months and possibly years. Some challenges are a cake walk others are no joke! These corporate ladders/stairwells, marriage ladders, parent ladders, spiritual ladders, religious ladders, depression ladders, drug ladders, the greed ladders, the sickness ladders, confusion ladders are often much too much! You fill in the blank and we miss a rung, miss the mark and fall. Hopefully not to our detriment! But be assured friends that God’s words in the 2nd Corinthians are a sure cure for our hurts:

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don't give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going. Through suffering, these bodies of ours constantly share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. 2Cr 4:8-10(NIV)

Surely we’ve incurred set backs, a fall from grace, an awkward moment in life and you had no clue it was coming! You believed that your journey from here out was smooth sailing? So you thought your life was supposed to pan out in one way and then another route occurs-right before your eyes and there you are flat on your back looking up or possibly lying face down. In your spirit, break out in a warrior dance, praise Him, lift your hands and your hearts and know that you survived the fall and it didn’t kill you!

Thank God you survived! Thank God for the on lookers like the young student that saw me tumble and never uttered a word or a hand! Thank God that you too have enough spring in your spirit to look forward to the days ahead.

For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever!
So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever. 2Cr 4:17, 18 (NIV)


Thank God I wasn’t left by the way side, crumbled! That’s for you and me-the Holy Spirit desires that we keep climbing, and not be shy about filling in!!! Now go on and enjoy the reminder of your day as you hum I’LL Make It by Hezekiah Walker!

Joyfully submitted by Linda Mose Meadows Author of:
The Blessedness of Believing

Whatever You Want Me to Give You

That night God appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, "What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!" 2 Ch 1:7 (NIV)

I just couldn’t gather the momentum to do my morning dance in preparation for work; I was under the weather, tired, and drained. There was no push available – I realized I needed the rest. The body said, “Nope!” and I said, “Okay!” After awakening I realized that I needed some spiritual sustenance, it was the brunch needed. My spirit was saying:

Be still, and know that I [am] God: I will be exalted among the heathen,
I will be exalted in the earth Psa 46:10 (NIV)

This was a quite moment, a moment to be still and pray; reflect on not only my needs, but how sparse my prayer life had been in the midst of some really hectic and stressed filled days. My spiritual armor had some dings and dents and my hit and miss prayer life was missing the mark. Today I was glad I choose not to push myself and finally I awoke refreshed and knew before I did anything, I at least owed God his due praise, so I gathered my favorite study bible, prayer book and wouldn’t you know it as I read a prayer, and reread the prayer seeking Guidance and Wisdom there were two scripture references. God had made it really very easy for me and you today friends through the author of the prayer which referenced two scriptures 2 Chronicles 1 and Job 12. I never got to Job 12-I really appreciated 2 Chronicles and stopped there.

When I flipped open my bible there it was friends, notes I written some time ago about the importance of prayer-short clips that I must have written during a worship service or bible lesson that spoke to the importance of prayer. Some of my notes that were written read as: devout, reverent praise and adoration, submission, daily business of saints, voice reaching the ear of God, routine, laboring before God, birthed out of the spirit from your heart! Visible presence of God through the Holy Spirit, His Shekinah Glory! Oh friends my notes taken during a time I had long forgotten, blessed and reminded me what was missing in my fatigued state were God’s exact words and a healthier, more consistent prayer life!

And then as I read the scripture, it was evident that God was clearly speaking to me when I read of King Solomon’s prayer to God’s question in 2 Chronicles 1:7 WHATEVER YOU WANT ME TO GIVE YOU! My spirit said, “Hey, hey that’s God talking, he’s asking the question, He’s making the request! He’s honoring Solomon’s prayer!”


All I can say is quickly reference the scriptures and read them for your own edification! It’s right there folks. As I’ve heard the elders say, “It’s plain as day!” There’s no need to be down! We too can ask for good things from the Lord and be encouraged that He desires to give us the needed provisions for our lives. In our weary states we can hold fast to the knowledge that the good that God desires for us far out weighs all we can ask or think.

Come on and let’s get excited and rejoice that:

God desires to give us and future generations, the desires of our heart; His word confirms it!

God desires to bless us abundantly with providing for our needs; His word is clear!

God desires to impart His great knowledge and His Wisdom; He says so!

God desires that we follow and obey His command, we’ll be blessed: it’s real!

God desires that we persevere in faithfulness and be careful to walk in His ways as we possess wisdom & exceptional knowledge of His word!

Thank you Lord for reminding us today that whatever you want to give us, you certainly will, it’s available through prayer and your anointed Holy Spirit’s enlightenment.

So today wonderful Lord we can confidently tuck these words in our hearts as we pray in faith that you will answer with: “Whatever You Want Me to Give You!” Amen!

Joyfully submitted by Linda Mose Meadows

Author of: The Blessedness of Believing

A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises

Being Grateful for Here and Now

May the Lord of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Oh this is wonderful! That I am sure of is what was resonating in my spirit. Instead of continuing to work beyond 5pm, waiting for my husband to arrive so we could journey home, I had the bright idea to shut the computer down, close the folders and leave like others with common sense and prepare to end the work day. So there I sat on the bench, with book in hand, tote and lunch bag by my side and I began to breathe in and out. This was truly calming. I recognized the divine-the divine moment of the here and now.

God was truly in the atmosphere and I recognized immediately that He also dwelled in me, my very breath!

The trees swayed, the warm breeze was refreshing and the beautiful blue water that cascades and moves around the fringes of Hampton’s campus is truly a site to behold. So it just felt good to be outdoors and present in this moment.

I then opened and resumed my reading of BeBe Moore Campbell novel: Singing in the Comeback Choir. And reality of her singing career[is shared with] Maxine:

“When I was in my prime, I was so proud of my voice, but I didn’t really appreciate it. I’d hit a note that could crack glass and wonder how I got there. I’d be holding that note long enough to pass out and searching in the crowd to see if anybody important was listening. And I’d be all the way back down before I remembered that I hadn’t even enjoyed it: not getting there, not the being there, not even the coming back. I was so busy trying to get somewhere.” Pg 318

Did that ever hit me like a ton of bricks friend.

I read the passage at least three times. Glanced up and appreciated that there was a young man skateboarding, zooming past me. He moved effortlessly it appeared with ease and sheer enjoyment. Apparently he had mastered this skateboard. As I marveled at this student I really appreciated what God was expressing to me in real time! And really began to appreciate how triumphant we can live if we pay attention and value our life’s moments. Admittedly we can miss out on the important personal and developmental milestones-living! Wouldn’t you agree that the Holy Ghost is amazing?

Friends God has spoken through BeBe Moore Campbell’s character Lindy. Lindy’s drive to reach stardom, get from there to here, her drive to have a stellar singing career and grab the brass ring, was admirable but she understands that she missed the mark, missed the opportunity to celebrate all of life’s offerings and be content in the moment!

Well, indeed the revelation that Lindy had as she expressed herself was a healing moment for me. I too have hurried through life, desiring immediate changes and like Lindy have missed so many opportunities to spiritually tune in and rejoice along the way instead my focus was fixed on anticipating the next life’s issue, the next and the next!

It was cathartic- I read on and there it was-Lindy placed her hands to her mouth and kissed them. I then knew she who battered by racism, alcoholism, guilt and anger was finally appreciative, thankful in her soul for her life and her songs. This surely was a moment of personal worship-not about her accomplishments but of God’s tender grace and mercies.

Be joyful, always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18

My spirit uttered, Lord I thank you! And my grocery list of thanks began to roll out of my mind! Lord I thank you for the finally being fifty and free. Free to look back and not wonder, I now know it was you who kept me! I won’t be embarrassed about my setbacks. I can stop sweating the small stuff and remember to appreciate all the simple abundance you’ve provided for me! I thank you because I know it’s a miracle to just be able to open my eyes and see! See all you want me to see, to feel all that I feel and to love all that I love. God I will never worry so much about reaching the plateau without being thankful for being able to scale the summit!
What is your spirit uttering? What of God’s grace in your life?

Today let’s get our spiritual skateboards out and move like that young man on campus, being assured, confident, healed, joyful, grateful and confident that God is the wind beneath our wings! And for those of us a little frail from the journey, fear not-be sure to breathe deeply and you enjoy the view!

“So I pray that God, who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them sing joyful praises forever.
Protect them,
so all who love your name may be filled with joy.
For you bless the godly, O Lord,
surrounding them with your shield of love.
Psalm 5:11-12

Prayerfully Submitted: Linda Mose Meadows

2/08

Read other devotional writings under Blessed Chronicles

A Precious Diamond~Restored Hope

The Lord your God has made you as numerous as the stars!
And may the Lord, the God of your ancestors, multiply you a thousand times more and bless you as he promised!
Deuteronomy 1:10, 11

I am not sure of the moment, but I distinctly remember glancing at my ring finger on New Year’s Day, adjusting the ring so the middle of the set was centered on my finger. It was apparent something was different, but it had not registered in my mind for just a moment that my stone had fallen out of the setting. My heart was broken and I really tried not to focus on this occurrence, because it was New Year’s Day and this day marked new beginnings with positive outcomes. When I returned home, this beloved engagement ring has been detached from my setting and placed in my jewelry box. For now I wear the band. I realize that I need to take it to the jewelers, contact my insurance company, but just haven’t had the energy to deal with all of that.

As I applied my make up this morning and reflected on the delightful news from our dear friends in Buffalo, I began to smile and said out loud, “Lord I get it now!” Let me try to explain.

Several days ago my husband inquired if I had responded to our dear friends email? They reside in Buffalo, NY. I’d like to think they are a relatively young married couple, but I am not quite sure if they see it on those terms. Actually they have experienced quite a turbulent time in the latter years of their marriage. They lost a diamond as well; their precious young son died tragically in a severe accident. This wonderful couple, very active in ministry has endured heartache, yet they are pushing through the day to day adjustments of a new life encompassed with unspoken cycles of grieving and living through the multiplicities of a former and a present life. Yet there remains great hope even during sorrowful moments. The baby boy’s sonogram says it all! They’ve been blessed with the pregnancy and expectation of an addition to their family. This is a wonderful gift from God, yet another delightful son to nurture and love.

I am singing in my heart for my brother and sister in Christ.

Oh my friends this devotional is short and sweet and the Holy Ghost has made it simply plain that we may loose precious jewels of loved ones in our midst, but we can be sure that in Christ there is no finality, no ending that that dictates all is finished. The story has yet to be told about our friend’s family circle. The scripture that a friend sent me really speaks for the Providence of God’s nature-

The Lord your God has made you as numerous as the stars!
And may the Lord, the God of your ancestors, multiply you a thousand times more and bless you as he promised!
Deuteronomy 1:10, 11

Just as he has promised Moses, that too applies to our beloved friends, our friend’s friend’s and mine and your family circle of love! Certainly we will miss our loved ones, and never will attempt to explain away the hardship of our loss, but we can appreciate , remember and celebrate the life of our dear diamonds and live to tell the children that soon will be birthed, all about a joyful precious life and our restored hope in our Lord and Savior. I want to be there for the baby showers, birthdays and enjoy the family photos of our newest addition to the family.

For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Jer 29:11

I think I’ll make an appointment to see my jeweler. May God continue to bless and keep you on your journey!!!

Prayerfully Submitted;
*Linda Mose Meadows
2/08

*Not to be distributed, printed and used without authorization and the permission of author.

"READING IS WHAT WE DO" BOOKCLUB

WE WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME, EVERYONE TO OUR VERY FIRST

"AUTHOR APPRECIATION DINNER" ON FEBRUARY 22, 2008,

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DORIS McCRAY ("THE JOURNAL OF A SOUTHERN GIRL");

TRICE HICKMAN ("UNEXPECTED INTERRUPTIONS")

LINDA MOSE MEADOWS ("THE BLESSEDNESS OF BELIEVING")

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Embracing the 12 Tenets for 2008

Embracing The 12 Tenets for 2008


I have chosen the way of truth: I have set my heart on your laws....I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.

-Psalm 119:30, 32 (NIV)


This is an occasion for fewer words, my dear sister and friend Marion shared this New Year’s message with me and I love to spread joy, so I hope that when you view this flash film, the intent of the message will resonate in your spirit that in 2008 so much good can be achieved- it starts with you and me!
http://www.tonyrobbins.com/12tenets

I encourage you to embrace and envision your hurdles with a positive outlook. Your victories are in view! See the lessons of faith throughout the coming year as you beat the odds. It's time we moved on like Mr. Canada in Harlem and bring pride to our communities. He's an educator that demonstrates compassion and commitment to children.

Spread some joy intentionally; begin to show acts of kindness- remember love begot love. Birth something new, wonderful and alive in your life. Our thinking and outlook affects our lives and those we are connected to.

Are you convinced that there's a real need to reach beyond ourselves? Well, I too agree. The elderly person that is standing in the grocery store line visibly struggling with paying for their groceries, could use our help. My friends at the United Way are eager to point out area agencies that are seeking volunteers and resources-contact them; there must be a group of friends that are willing to pool their resources to help a neighborhood center or charity? Well, you spearhead the cause! Let's not overlook the local church with the Rites of Passage Program needing faith filled, caring, disciplined adults to usher young men and woman to productive adulthood- their ministry awaits you. Come on brothers and sisters of faith bring your wisdom, your love, your insight and your training there's a world awaiting your gifts!

Today, I am free. I am willing to take my own medicine and actively seek opportunities to help others and blossom in my calling and ultimately grow! Oh friends, I thank God for the Anthony Robbins Organization and his creative team blessing us with the reminder of the 12 tenets; I receive the message and God's directive. Won't you join me and endeavor to hold on to God's truths? Our outlook can be brighter as we share in helping another soul. I look forward to working with you! God bless you!

Joyfully Submitted by Linda Mose Meadows