BLESSINGS THAT AWAIT YOU!

Linda during visit to Borders' in Cheektowaga, NY

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,

that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Psalm 90:14 (New International Version)

Here was yet another moment to celebrate and acknowledge God’s favor. This was a great present. God would have it that I’d learn that there were devotionals, my book: The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises by Linda Mose Meadows (Tate Publishing, 2007) on the shelf of Borders book store in Cheektowaga, NY, which is not far from my Mama’s house. Directly down Walden Avenue over the Buffalo city limit.

It was time to mentally prepare for the road trip back to Virginia after our wonderful Christmas break spent at home in Buffalo, New York with loved ones. The time always moves too quickly, never enough time to see and spend with all of our love ones. I didn’t want to think about it, but I knew it was time to pack luggage and say my goodbyes. So on this final day before our 12-14 hour car journey, we’d eat a great breakfast at a local diner and run errands. Borders’ was one of our stops, my Mother-in- Law needed to purchase gift cards, while she did that I perused the shelves and scouted out the sales, and then decided to speak with one of the Managers to inquire if she’d consider ordering my books for the Borders’ shelves? (I realize now that was the Holy Spirit planting seeds.) After consulting her book database, to my surprise she walked me over to the Local Author’s Section and yes friends, there they were! She requested that I autograph the books in stock and consider returning for a future book signing- you know I did!

My heart was racing but my pen was moving. I scripted: Blessings to you on your journey! I walked away stunned and wanted to break out in a shout: “Thank you Lord” and dance. I walked and ran, yes, ran towards my husband, shared the news and then he said, “Hey let’s go take a picture!” Oh the cell phone is truly a marvel. I found the manager and there we stood smiling.

Lord knows I was smiling for so many reasons: my faith that sometimes got smothered by doubt, but God’s mercy said, “Yes!” and for this evidence that He will and does provide blessings on our journeys when we lest expect it!

Friends, don’t you agree that this was evidence of God having worked behind the scenes (in this instance) on my behalf? This was indeed another opportunity to thank God for an unanticipated gift received during our Christmas vacation at home. It’s good to have a wellspring-a natural and a spiritual home to return to.

I more fully understand that home is where the love of God is demonstrated and is generously poured on us like soothing, healing oil-needed and appreciated for our travels on life’s road.

We’re ready now!

Thank you Lord for this evidence that you are always working on our behalf! Friends I encourage you to find your way back to your spiritual wellspring-there’s a blessing that awaits you.

Dear Lord, thy will be done in everything and everywhere;

without a reserve, without a but, an if, or a limit.
Saint Francis of Sales

Reference: Prayers for A Woman’s Soul (Zondervan)

With tremendous joy!
Linda Mose Meadows, Author
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

ART AND FAITH: EARNEST GRAHAM TRANSENDING GENERATIONAL LINES

"The manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all."

1 Corinthians 12:7

There are occasions where you will meet unannounced, anointed, gifted individuals and may miss the opportunity to really connect on a personal level. You’ll say your polite, “hellos” and that’s the end of story. But, just possibly you’ll find yourself enjoying the holiday party, attending the family gathering, taking a walk on your favorite trail or possibly standing in the grocery store line, and your guard will drop and a pleasant conversation will ensue. Before long laughter will be birthed and you’ll discover there’s a real commonality.

Well friends, that’s what occurred when I met the mild mannered Father Earnest Graham, an Episcopal priest and graphic artist during a Christmas open house celebration. Initially I had no idea that I was standing next to an accomplished graphic artist, author, and fellow blogger. (Previously I had been introduced to he and his wife's ministry and work before I met him.)

The Unlikely Chosen:
A Graphic Novel Translation of the Biblical Books of Jonah, Esther, and Amos
Shirley Smith Graham & Earnest Graham

Father Earnest Graham’s graphics and faith messages are attention grabbers. As old folks say, “Make it plain.” Seeing Father Graham’s artistic graphic renditions and interpretations of scripture lesson are evident of his fervor in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. His artistic messages hit home-they educate, are contemporary; but more importantly are spiritually enlightening and understood-yes very relevant!

Our commonality you wonder? Besides being children of God? Well, I think it was clear when we both chuckled and learned of our love for blogging-it's a ministry, and the exciting possibilities that exist with reaching out to others across the globe in sharing the good news of the gospel may take you virtually to places that physically you may not reach. Hey the UK, Japan, China, Africa and hamlets in Europe-we're treking across the globe, it's Christian Education in a unique way!

I am sure you’ll agree that Father Earnest Graham’s work transcends generational lines and surely international time zones as he endeavors to accomplished his mission of enlightening and sharing the word of God through his art and faith in Look Both Ways: The Cross Roads of Art and Faith.

Father Earnest, keep up the blessed work my friend, the world awaits your ministry! Amen!

With tremendous joy!
Linda Mose Meadows, Author
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/