THE FOUNDATION FOR A BETTER LIFE- PERSEVERANCE IS KEY!

“…. since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” Hebrews 12:1-3

Daily I receive an e-quote of the day and am usually moved to share. Today's quote was no exception, I believe it's timely. It's a fine day, a great moment in my estimation to do just that, share with others our own moments when we persevered against all odds. I feel it in my spirit, I must PERSEVERE!

Yesterday my family and I witnessed two elderly women, each one holding the handle of a walker as they gingerly pressed their way through the streets, the tunnel, the bone chilling cold and the crowds all headed towards the National Mall for the inaguration festivities. Did I mention that the women hadn't met prior to their both walking towards the National Mall? One of them had to initiate the helping hand and ultimatley the supportive walker. My husband commented that those sweet ladies gave meaning to the word "pressing your way."

I am confident that we are encouraged as a community after such an historic occassion of the inauguration of this nation's 44th President Barack Obama to also press our way-to persevere in this life time through the hardships, setbacks, the inconveniences, the hurdles, uncertainties and the tough personal tests!

My friends presevere with Hebrews 12 tucked in your hearts. We will endure!

Enjoy the site and consider registering with The Foundation for A Better Life for e messages. I pray you are inspired by the personal accounts, podcasts, billboards, sightings, heroes and your own endurance lessons and are divinley motivated to positively impact not just your life, but those in your circle.

It's the time of our lives to press towards the mark of the high calling!

"Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.”
—Marie Curie (1867-1934), chemist, physicist, Nobel Prize winner

FOUNDATION FOR A BETTER LIFE'S MISSION

We are a non-profit organization dedicated to sharing the values that make a difference in our communities. We create public service campaigns that model the benefits of a life lived by positive values. In turn, we hope to inspire people to make values a part of their own lives, and then to communicate the benefits to others.

Submitted In Love,

Linda Mose Meadows, author

The Blessedness of Believing-A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

'GO, TELL MICHELLE': WISDOM FOR THE FUTURE FIRST LADY

NOTE: This is indeed one of my favorite posts written prior to the inaguration of President Obama-I am resubmitting this as a result of a CNN interview that I've just learned of and wanted to share with you. Hope you enjoy this as much as I do. :-)

The Lord gives wisdom,

and from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 2:6

You’re in for a wonderful treat. You ask what might that be? Well thanks to National Public Radio’s (NRP) Jan-07-2009, All Things Considered airing of the debut book:

'Go, Tell Michelle': African American Women Write to the New First Lady

Authors: Dr. Peggy Brooks- Bertram and Dr. Seals Nevergold Interview with CNN

is indeed a remarkable work by Buffalo, New York’s own Dr. Barbara Seals Nevergold and Dr. Peggy Brooks-Bertram, who are co-founders of the Uncrowned Queens Institute for Research and Education on Women at the University of Buffalo in New York have created a stellar literary work! This work will touch your heart and soul. Their recent book allows us to take an introspective look at how this nation, our communities and women are impacted by not only the dawning of the swearing in of President-elect Barack Obama which will be this nation’s 44th President; but we are especially moved to celebration of his lovely wife, Michelle.

Not only are the nation’s eyes on President-elect Barack Obama but his endearing and dedicated wife, Michelle Obama. She’s been likened to Jacqueline “Jackie” O. Kennedy, but I say give credit where credit is due. It’s evident that Mrs. Obama is her own women, in her own right! It's her time to shine and represent! This passionate advocate of public education, human services and support for military families is also a crusader for others. She will be our nation’s first lady, an accomplished, elegant woman and mother who’s African American. A beautiful black woman whose first lady! I celebrate this new reality with so many others. She's someone many of us can relate to. We are proud of her and applaud her accomplishments.

We’re all a buzz regarding this articulate and posed woman being a pace setter and an example for all women, especially beautiful women of color that aspire to not only follow in her footsteps, but to make an indelible mark in their own spheres. We’re realizing what seemed to be impossibility just yesterday, is now a sure possibility.

An old mother of the church might say:

“Lord look at my child!”
“You’re a great God!”
“We’re seeing the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”

I concur with those that say Mrs. Obama represents many positives about who we are as women, and yes, especially black women-capable, competent, caring, brilliant, intelligent, forward thinker’s, women of faith, diverse, complex, exuberant and able!

God bless authors Dr. Barbara Seals Nevergold and Dr. Peggy Brooks-Bertram, which captured the hearts and minds of women in this beautiful book when they compiled, letter’s, poems and prose for Michelle. She will be blessed and encouraged by this awesome gift. It’s apparent that ringing in the heart of millions of men and women are expressions-words of support and inspiration that are ablaze-yes burning to be shared with first lady Michelle. I salute these tremendous authors and founders of Uncrowned Queens and Kings for their insight and novel idea of sharing the wisdom and love of African American Women-in our own voices!

I am making space on my book shelf now!

Well friends, I’m on my way to Border’s to purchase my book, hope to see you there!!

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/

A LESSON OF LOVE~ ACCORDING TO THE GOSPEL

Exceptional Photography by Matt McClure

Friends come, sit a while and relish this lesson of love

according to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in:

1 John 3

1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

3 Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.

4. Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.

5 But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin.

6 No-one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No-one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.

7 Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.

8 He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.

9 No-one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.

10 This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.

Love One Another

11 This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.

12 Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother's were righteous.

13 Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you.

14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death.

15 Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.

16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

17 If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?

18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

19 This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence

20 whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.

21 Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God

22 and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him.

23 And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.

24 Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.

REFERENCE: Bible Gateway 1 John 3 (New International Version - UK)

The Gospel of Jesus Christ Shared in Love by:

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

I THANK GOD FOR WONDERFUL MEN & FATHERS

"A Happy Daddy"

My Brother Steve with his youngest daughters

To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—
Jude 1:24 (NIV)

In this age of glorified “playas” and pimps, so-low/solo, and down-low men-the ne’er-do-well (dregs), I am grateful for fathers, real men that love their families and openly express and demonstrate what love, nurturing and character-building qualities resemble. I have some of those very men in my family; my cousins, my brothers, my male friends whether they have children or not, yes they know how to care and show God’s unconditional love.

They are everyday, down to earth actively participating in the home father’s. Today’s standards would label them as exceptional! They humbly beleive they are the norm. My husband is a compassionate and concerned father. He’ll quickly come to an adult’s rescue and if it’s one of the children, he’ll go the extra mile to lend a helping hand. He assists with homework, effortlessly bakes amazing meals and drives miles to Shaw University and North Carolina A&T to return Mike or Missy to college, or drop by to see how “things” are progressing for them. He emails teacher's to get an idea about the progress his children are having in school.

Yes, love is the universal language of a concerned and dedicated father. Often it not the material goods, the dollars ( although it’s often a necessity) but it the humorous and serious conversations, the time spent, the wisdom imparted and the demonstrated efforts that make the rough spots smooth.

And so my friends when I read President Obama Barak’s letter to his daughters:
'What I Want for You — and Every Child in America' By President-elect Barack Obama, Parade Magazine Publication Date: 01/14/2009 I understood immediately it wasn’t just his words to his young daughters, but words for all of us children of the world. Words which bathed us, and reminded us and admonished us of our calling to reach beyond our selves and to embrace a mission that not only honors, self and family but builds another.

I simply want to say as a woman, a daughter and a mother and a global citizen –father’s your words, your love shown and your very acts dedicated to our well being are appreciated and honored. We look in your eyes and know what loving affirmation is! I praise God for you and pray his mighty blessings in your lives.

With tremendous joy!

Linda Mose Meadows, Author

The Blessedness of BelievingA Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

GAME CHANGING PERFORMANCE

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress.
And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us.
We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish.[fn1] He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven. Hebrews 12:1, 2 (NIV)

Grateful is what I am and yes indeed still in awe of November 4th and now the approaching inauguration celebration on January 20th ! My spirit is celebrating! I am encouraged to continue tapping the divine within! New posibilities, new thinking, new expectations are on the horizon for all. We voted as though our lives depended on it! And as a result of this public outpouring, we witnessed an evolution of change for the better. Yes, it was a relay race, and the voters passed the baton to then Senator Barack Obama.

Now we continually here in media conversations that focus on the need for clearance and smooth transition for President-Elect Barack Obama. He’s being urged to speedily move to rectify a flat- lining economy, miserable job loss, a costly and unpopular war with military families in need, a heath insurance debacle and crumbling urban infrastructures and the beat goes on and on about what must be tackled now.

It’s aptly called the “handoff",truly president-elect must feel as though he’s running a marathon. Clearly the baton is in his hand and the world awaits the outcome of this final leg of the race. He’s in the anchor position. But thank God for our divine anchor Jesus Christ! The irony is President- Elect is not yet sworn into his office of presidency. The people’s commitment to embracing Barack’s vision of change and hope, their resounding appearances and attendances at community rallies –and ultimately their votes were the baton. And we await the start of this race, anxiously anticipating a favorable race!

Take a look at these instructions friends for running a successful relay race. Thanks Holy Ghost, this was an eye opener for passing a relay baton and determining whether you win the race:

How to Pass a Relay Baton
By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor http://www.ehow.com/how_2106595_pass-relay-baton.html
Speed, coordination and working as a team determine whether you will win a relay race. Knowing how to effectively pass that baton is fundamental to achieving victory. There are two basic passes, and your team should be proficient at both

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Up Sweep and Palm Down Pass
Step 1
Time it so that when the approaching runner hits the mark, the outgoing runner starts to sprint.
Step 2
Reach back with the outgoing runner's receiving hand, arranging an inverted "V" with the hand.
Step 3
Move the approaching runner's arm in an upward motion and place the baton in his hand. He takes the baton from the outgoing runner.
Step 4
Always run through the pass, never slowing down in the timing of the exchange.

Down Sweep and Palm Up Pass
Step 1
Coordinate the team members so when the approaching runner hits her mark, the outgoing runner starts to sprint.
Step 2
Plan for the outgoing runner to reach back with his baton in hand parallel to the track.
Step 3
Turn the outgoing runners thumb in the direction of the torso with his palm facing up shaping a "V".
Step 4
Move the approaching runner's arm in a downward sweeping motion as the outgoing runner places the baton in the receiver's hand. The approaching runner takes the baton and sprints.

It’s been the exception to the rule. It’s time for a game changing performance. That President- Elect Barack must hit the ground running, not resting and not wavering. From all appearances he hasn’t has a moment to breathe and revel in the fact that come January 20th he’ll no longer be Senator of Illinois but President of the great United States. My prayer is that for just a moment he’ll rally around his family, friends, this nation and celebrate his great calling. In all of that let’s continue to bathe him prayer and cover him with God’s word and blessings as he begins to run this stretch of the lap. Friends reference step 3- his palms are facing upward, he sprints with his heart is pumping and victory is in sight! Surely we’ll win!


Prayer of Thanksgiving

Lord we thank you for this wonderful man you’ve placed among us-President- Elect Barack Obama. You’ve planted a great vision and responsibility in him. He’s the human anchorman evoking needed change for this nation and this universe. We praise and bless you for that! We are grateful that you’ve planted his feet on the foundation of your word. He has a genuine heart to seek change for the betterment of human kind, we appreciate that Lord. When his heart is overflowing with the cares of this world show him your grace and comfort.

Let us not forget that when we are weary we can rely on you Lord for divine support, stability, and a supernatural anointing. This anointing reminds us as your children that security and mainstay belong to us in you Heavenly Father.

God, we realize that you alone are the voice that beckons us to hear your instructions and strengthens us to fear not! Lord we confidently know that our hope in you is our anchor. For all the days ahead we will remember to give you all the honor, glory and praise. Amen!

Enjoy this blog and the videos that capture a history breaking era. http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/hqblog

Joyfully Submitted by:

Linda Mose Meadows, Author of:

The Blessedness of Believing

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