Friday, December 5, 2008

THE WISDOM OF ONE SIMPLE QUESTION OPENED A FLOOD GATE


WAVY 10 TV News Anchor
Don Roberts with beloved family-his Daddy and Son

The Lord gave the word: great [was] the company of those that published [it].
Psa 68:11


The wisdom of one simple question, “Tell me about your father?” opened a floodgate of emotions not only for the presenter, Mr. Don Roberts News Anchor of WAVY-TV but for all that were present during the Weekly Writers on Thursday’s group meeting at the Hampton City Library. This evening would snowball into something really extraordinary. his was not just another author encouraging our group of eager writers, but this would evolve into an intimate evening that delved deep into some unspoken heart matters. I knew God had sent him and Don Roberts was ideal for facilitating such a sacred moment. He started with reminding us that each day is truly a gift not to be taken for granted. His five word question caused deep and introspective thinking to be followed by group nods and answers that I suspect many had no idea that they’d share.
Don Roberts openly announced that his father was a jewel of a man who actively demonstrated his faith and conviction in family and God. But, he also admitted that the daily news and those public speaking engagements confirm that many aren't privy to such wonderful encounters and healthy relationships with their fathers.
It's apparent that Mr. Roberts loves his daddy. A Father’s Day where Mr. Roberts wouldn’t be present with his Daddy birthed a gift of a tribute poem which eventually evolved into a book:

Hey Daddy Read This
by
Don Roberts

Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: iUniverse, Inc. (July 22, 2004)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0595849210
ISBN-13: 978-0595849215

Don Roberts' foreword reveals that he is passionate about acknowledging this most important bond between a father and child which impacts ones life in profound ways. He resontated that this relationship and personal actions spill over into our lives and those we encounter. During his public speaking engagements whether it be at an elementary school or the city jail, the all important question is asked,“Tell me about your father?” “If you could write him a letter what would you say?” Those that willingly participate learn more than they ever imagined.

Through these written expressions from those with loving relationships to those with torn egos and broken hearts much is revealed about themselves and their interpretation about their father's persona. Out of that exercise of composing letters, powerful inner voice are born, the writer is empowered and honest emotions surface. Eventually discussions and heartfelt sharing fills the room.

This book is a springboard for healing, reaching across generational and gender lines to erect stronger bonds and possibly rectify broken & fragmented relationships due to a child /father relationship. Famous Amos wrote one such poignant letter that changed his life forever. Amos acknowledges for the betterment not only for himself but others that are a part of him.

These letters written to fathers (absent & present) are certainly spiritually & emotional healing-cathartic, revealing, truthful and sobering not only for the author and those who’ve penned the letters, but most assuredly for the reader. You'll be so pleased to add this book to your libraries. It’s available in local book stores like: Barnes & Nobles, Borders stores, Amazon.com. Learn more about Mr. Roberts and acquiring this powerful book at:

http://www.amazon.com/Hey-Daddy-Read-This-Roberts/dp/0595849210

http://booktour.com/author/don_roberts

Bless you Don Roberts; thank you for this intimate and timely literary work-there’s healing in the land!


How much better to get wisdom than gold,

to choose understanding rather than silver!
Proverbs 16:16

Joyfully submitted by:

Linda Mose Meadows, Author

The Blessedness of Believing

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

Enjoy other writings:Click on Blessed Chronicles http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

Thursday, December 4, 2008

IT STARTS IN YOUR HEART

Taylor informing her classmates about Rosa Parks

Ms. Geordan "Anchor" and TV News Crew



My delight is to do your pleasure, O my God; truly, your law is in my heart.

As I said a too quick prayer, pulling my heavy tote and lunch bag out of the car making my way to the front entrance of work, I thought about wanting to share my Thanksgiving memories about my youngest amazing nieces Geordan and Taylor who are growing up and so bright! They’re cheerleaders for a community football league, academic marvels and computer whizzes and yes, still in elementary school. I was giggly with joy listening to them share their accomplishments. You learn a lot from observing poster board assignments and picking up to read the many outstanding awards and congratulatory certificates casually displayed around the home.

“Aunt Linda , I’ll email you a picture of the news team!”

"Yes I'd like that!"

"Kids, stop me for autographs that I don't even know."

Geordan is a celeb at her school; she’s a journalist at heart and enjoys the spotlight as the TV Anchor of her school’s news team. She updates her news team’s webpage without blinking. Lord knows I am so proud of her, but more importantly, it’s quite obvious that she sincerely loves and has a heart for her work. This is indeed an admirable quality. It popped into my spirit that it starts in your heart. Thank you Holy Ghost for sharing this revelation!

All of my unique nieces are like electronic billboards-it obvious that they are on assignment: Tiega (an exceptional young lawyer), Quinn (a studious and phenomenal spoken word artist ), Amber & Morgan (conscientious college students), Malika (an adept soccer player and a collegiate scholarship recipient) and Taylor (a stellar student) who’s wise beyond her years, she loves learning! They all have a commonality-they are passionate about their gifts and callings from the eldest to the youngest. God placed in each of their hearts a desire to positively impact their spheres.

Friends, I earnestly believe that God has also included you in that number; you too are creative, intelligent, compassionate, wise and capable.

What is the “it” that dwells deep within your soul? What has God placed, seeded and deposited into your spirit to accomplish? Oh it’s there, it’s a prayer away my friends!

I could name a list of it’s:
· Trusting God to make your dream a possibility in your lifetime.
· Having the finances and time to share and build______ for all to benefit from.
· Starting that long awaited business.
· Developing and jumpstarting your ministry for God's glory!
· Having a stronger prayer life, empowered with stamina to endure life.
· Traveling to that special location.
· Returning to school to complete your education, so you can open your own school.
· Career switching-Leaving that job that drains you.
· Taking a chance on love.
· Writing and publishing your book .
· Saying “no” to others demands and following your lead- yourheart.
· Joining that support group or starting your very own.
· Planting a personal/community garden.
· Exercising daily to run in a future marathon.

But who am I kidding? It may be none of these answers and it simply may be carving out a personal space of peace time in a confusing world. Whatever it is, you are encouraged not to smolder your desires, your gifts, your calling and die in the spiritual wilderness. Be sure to petition God for His divine direction and discover what is longing to be birthed in your life. Psalm 40 may entreat your heart to delight in God's will. Trust that He will reveal to you His light-His truth and equip you for living out your it- your anointed heart’s desire.

<< Psalm 40:8 >>

New American Standard Bible (©1995) I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart."
GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995) I am happy to do your will, O my God." Your teachings are deep within me.
King James BibleI delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
American King James VersionI delight to do your will, O my God: yes, your law is within my heart.
American Standard VersionI delight to do thy will, O my God; Yea, thy law is within my heart.
Bible in Basic EnglishMy delight is to do your pleasure, O my God; truly, your law is in my heart.

Reference:
http://bible.cc/psalms/40-8.htm


TODAY’S PRAYER

My dearest Lord,
be now a bright flame to enlighten me,
a guiding star to lead me,
a smooth path beneath my feet,
and a kindly shepherd along my way,
today and for evermore.
Saint Columbia
Reference: Prayer for A Woman’s Soul
Mediations and Prayers to Renew your Soul (Zondervan Corp)


Thank you God for using Geordan, my nieces, and the elementary news crew team to stir our hearts today! “Hey Geordan 5,4,3,2,1, you’re on the air!” "Good morning world!"
Joyfully submitted by: Linda Mose Meadows, Author
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises
Enjoy other writings:
Click on Blessed Chronicles
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/



said...
Linda, thank you so much for this post. The spirit must be blowing across the nation this week! (I'm in Virginia!)A few weeks ago it was placed on my heart to help fellow writers "find their voice." I have met so many gifted, spirit-inspired women writers who don't believe they are worthy of being heard. This is an issue I struggled with for many years and have recently been released from the prison of unworthiness. That is why I am called to encourage and uplift them. I have been ministering to them as I had others minister to me along the way. So . . . I'm not only paying it "backward," I'm also paying it forward! Blessings to you for doing the same. December 4, 2008 10:01 PM

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

WHERE WILL IT TAKE ME

I am not sure where this writing will take me along? But like a brightly colored sail flapping in the wind-I won’t steer the vessel, I’ll let the Holy Ghost be at the helm this afternoon. I can’t seem to shake this visual picture-this thought. During this past weekend, my husband, son and stepdaughter covered a lot of territory and some surprising routes, yet wonderful moments were birthed in our quest to reach our particular destinations-home to family for the Thanksgiving Holiday. In route to Columbus Georgia, first stop Charlotte, North Carolina we traveled through small towns and hamlets and yes a good stretch of highway, red dirt, wild flowers and even noticed several curious doe/deer. As a passenger I could snooze and then awake to more two lane bumpy through fares, 6 lane highways, rolling hills, sunsets with streaks of magenta and coral majesty, and daybreak-lets not omit bumper to bumper traffic. I believe we saw it all. Ok, if not all of it, there were memorable mental vistas. Finally our destinations were worth the journey. After the wonderful meal, yummy desserts and lots of laughter and conversation the next day, my husband and I had a mini date-a getaway. As Ricky and I snuck away to the movies during one rainy afternoon, driving not far from my brother’s home my husband said,

“Did you see that?”
“What?”
“The young man standing at the lone bus stop with new white sneakers? That’s generally all that you leave prison with you know?”
“I wonder where he’ll go?”


Wow, I missed all of that! It was a blur seeing this young man.

I was too focused on the razor wire, empty basketball courts, and the modern jail- it was non menacing appearing structure. I do recall the words: Transition which was etched on one of the brick building. Friends, It was all very surprising for me to see this landscape juxtaposed to the cozy homes. (Just possibly that’s one our societies issues- is that the jails have become the focal point, not the detainees/the individuals?)


This was the day after Thanksgiving and I realize that often if we are not associated with those that have been incarcerated, addicted, seeking rehab services and/or being placed in that system, we sincerely don’t have a clue of all of the dynamics that leads to a person newly released, standing outside a facility in the pouring rain with themselves and all that they belong on their backs.

It was evident that this young man was headed somewhere, but I am not certain where? I saw no greeting committee. The probability was real, that there was no one in route to secure his safe arrival to his destination. Than I wondered about the shape his psyche and his soul were in.

I wondered if the young man felt perplexed. Was he relieved to be on the other side of the razor wired fence or frightened about an unpredictable tomorrow? I wondered if the rain that fell on his head with no bus insight; did it cause him to just want to celebrate freedom or cry? Had he made amends for the lives ruined? Or would he return to the life that led him behind the close bars? I just wondered if he felt renewed, refreshed and assured that what led him there would never, ever have that stranglehold on his life again? But, more importantly I began to wonder-what of his soul salvation?

Today, Joel Osteen’s really hit home for me with his e-inspiration message entitled: Work Out Your Salvation. After reading the devotional below I was encouraged to reference Philippians 2 (new living translation) which reads:

Philippians 2
Have the Attitude of Christ
1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate?

2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God, [
a]he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges[b]; he took the humble position of a slave[c] and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form,[d]

8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Shine Brightly for Christ
12 Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. 16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. 17 But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God,[
e] just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. 18 Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%202;&version=51;
BibleGateway.com
Work Out Your Salvation
Today's Scripture
“…work out your own salvation…” (Philippians 2:12, NKJ).


Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

When you make Jesus the Lord of your life, some things will change in you immediately and other things will be worked out over time. You may have addictions or sickness that you are instantly freed from, but yet, you may have wrong attitudes or other areas that are still in the process of changing. That’s because God is doing both a work in you and a work with you. He reveals His power to us and then gives us the opportunity to work with Him in the process of restoring and renewing our lives.You work out your salvation by obeying His Word and surrendering every area of your life to Him. You are working out your salvation when you choose to do the right thing, even when it’s difficult. You are working out your salvation when you stand strong and resist temptation. Remember, God is the one at work in you to give you the power to work out your salvation. He’s empowered you to overcome every obstacle! As you cultivate what He’s deposited within you, you’ll experience more of His power so you can live the life of victory He has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for the work You are doing in my life. I choose to work with You so that I can live the life of victory You have prepared. Help me to be an example of Your love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Reference: Joel Osteen Ministries [info@joelosteen.com]

Today’s Word with Joel & Victoria 12/02/08


I pray that the young man will learn of ministries like Back to Basics which help men and women turn their loves around and actively demonstrate the love of Jesus. I pray that the young man has a mentor which will mean him good and not further contaminate his soul, his being. I pray that this young man’s destination will bring him to the arms of God if he’s not yet there. I pray that the rain falling on his head is cathartic, refreshing and renewing and Thanksgiving will be birthed within him! I pray that he’ll spiritually prosper, see himself in a new light and be motivated to acommplish and achieve great things.
Lord I think it's clear, the journey to Steve's, the young man at the bus stop, Joel Osteen's devotional, he powerful lyrics Yolanda Adams rendered, and the encouraging holy scripture-You await us-we must work our our soul's salvation.
Yolanda Adams singing
Be Blessed


Joyfully submitted by:Linda Mose Meadows, Author

The Blessedness of Believing

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

Enjoy other writings:

Click on Blessed Chronicles http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

You’ve Got A Friend

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