Thursday, February 26, 2009

WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS!


Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial,
for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life,
which GOD has promised to those w ho love him.
James 1:12


The coin toss begins, all eyes are on the center court, the basketball goes up in mid air and the camera captures a close up of Team Captain Stephon “Starbury” Xavier Marbur of the Blessedness of Believing Victor’s All StarTeam. He's the MVP- yes, "Doctor Stabury !"
The fans are standing on their feet laving their flags, donning their Starbury sports gear, the referees are in place and the cheerleaders are in motion, the auditorium is in a frenzy! Folks it’s another all electric evening ripe with anticipation! It 'a a stary night and already the sports casters have declared that the Blessedness of Belieiving’s Basketball Team are the victors!!
A great basketball game is never easily won, the competition must give the opoosing team a thorough run, a real workout for the championship! But I declare that it’s well worth the time, effort and energy exerted.
We’ve penned Starbury as Doctor because he takes care of business and looks out for his team mates, executes the plays proficiently and plays the game with a heart to win! Look out opponents he’s strong and armed to win the game! On and off the court of life-he’s admirable.
Ok, ok I suppose you basketball enthusiasts know that I am having fun, because I haven’t yet purchased my basketball franchise nor recruited my all star team; but if I did have a choice brother Stephon Marbury would be my pick of team captain-he’s a noblemen. I hope there’s such a word. He’s my choice as a young man of valor! What I have learned is that not only does he play basketball well, but he’s a man of character and conviction. He has a heart for the common man, working parents as well as his comrades and colleagues- “the ballers and shot callers!”

He remembers what struggling feels like. Ask him about his youth. My spirit applauded his tenacity and vision when I once again had the opportunity to learn of his stewardship –first on 60 Minutes and again, this morning on TJMS, The Tom Joyner Morning Show.
He partnered with Steve & Barry’s to promote affordable clothing. It was a God send for many parents struggling to clothe their children with the desired sports gear. He now has a new venture with Amazon.com.

I listened intently to his interview on the TJMS Tom Joyner Morning Show today. I believe he’s unmovable and abounds in his faith. It’s been exhibited over the past few months regarding the New York Nicks' decision. It’s apparent he leans on the word of God and hasn’t died in the wilderness of adversity! Enjoy his blog which may shed some light on the adversity that he’s confronted and had to endure: www.usandv.com/stephon-marbury-blogger

Even in adversity, opportunity does knock . Yes we aren't exempt for God's blessings in the midst of difficulties and hardships. For those of us currently enduring hardship during adversity, we can think of this young man as our team mate “Doctor Stephon “Starbury” Xavier Marbury ” – our MVP in his natural and spiritual game of life! Let’s confidently post his picture in our psyches and label him triumphant!

We are triumphant also , even when we are a free agent-released from the places that once employedand comforted us! when the familiar is now foreign to our way of living and thinking. I believe the time out allows God to have our undivided attention and if we allow Him, God's perfect will is manifested! We are then shored up for the next leg of the journey! Just reflect and look back. I was so pleased to learn that Stephon wouldn’t settle for what others deemed as “his worth”.
He envisioned more in his financial settlement and was not wavering. I further applauded his conviction and his forthright attitude! Mr. Marbury has vision not only for his basketball career but his personal pursuits which entail helping others jump start their career and aspirations! I commend him-he’s a young man with a panoramic view! As of this writing he’s still a free agent and I am excited about the possibilities for him that lies ahead. During ths morning ‘s interview with Tom Joyner he shared that at the end of the day he takes himself home and must live with his decisions. Wow, isn’t that the truth for all of us?

My mother said, something similar; she reminded me as a young teen that everywhere I go, I take myself with me! Those were her exact words! That sage wisdom never left me. It’s clear that we can’t run from the hard choices and the difficulties in life. But they'll only lay in wait for us. We’ve got to face them head on and not cower out of fear. Stephon’s work ethic, life lessons and parent’s home training has afforded him the ability to understand that a plan of action which includes having a personal mission and vision, must be executed even while we wait. Wait on our change to come!
A plan of action for the lean as well as the lax moments is a necessity. But just hold on to the realization that opportunity is rounding the corner and will be knocking at our doors! I am certain God had this all planned for us as well as our all star player: Stephon Marbury-to learn and appreciate !
Why not be like him and appreciate that opportunity does knock even during the most peculiar times. Our friend has creatively designed a plan be inclusive of stewardship—which will will make someone else’s load lighter. He’s invited those interested in learning about an opportunity to financially grow independent at opportunity@starbury.com

Don't doubt his motives and sincerity. Remember he had the heart to assist working families with the creation of sports/basketball gear that wouldn’t break the banks? In his own words:

"As Jay said, "there's much bigger problems in the world I know
but I first had to take care of the place I know. I'm from the bottom..." That's
where I'm at. We are putting people in position now to control thei r own
destiny through
opportunity@starbury.com

Most companies are laying people off but we're putting
people on. Not only that but we are putting small businesses on and providing
moms and pops stores opportunities to get into e-commerce and expand their
product distribution and grow th eir companies. To me that's a win-win.
http://www.usandv.com/stephon-marbury-blogger

Ok folks the game is underway and Dr. Starbury has command of the court and he’s passing the ball to you and me!!! heads up! Don’t miss the move of God!
Have a super day friends!
Shared with Enthusiasm,
Linda Mose Meadows, Author
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises

Monday, February 23, 2009

NOMINATED FOR KREATIV BLOGGER AWARD


From the fullness of his grace we have
all received one blessing after another.
John 1:16
It is always a thrill -to receive an award. I am honored to be one of the recipients of the “Kreativ Blogger Award.” Many thanks go to my fellow Blogger Drusilla Pair of Find Your Folks for selecting me for this award. Here are the procedures connected with the KreativBlogger Award:

1. Copy the award to your site.
2. Link to the person from whom you received the award.
3. Nominate 7 other bloggers.
4. Link to those sites on your blog.
5. Leave a message on the blogs you nominate.

I have added the "KreativBlogger Award" logo to my blog and have placed links to the person who gave me this award in this posting. Kindly reference my blog: The Blessedness of Believing's list of blogs I enjoy following. Additionally, as a recipient of this award, I am required to nominate seven other blogs. Below, is a list of my nominations for the “KreativBlogger Award by Stephen Danko

1. J Ray Rice: Understanding the Effects of Unresolved Abandonment Issues
2. Gayle: The Artist's Journey
3. Earnest Graham : Look Both Ways Art and Faith
4. Live Well Naturally
5. Linda Pate: Rooms of Conversation
6. Tony L. Jefferson, Jr. : Poetic Mindstate
7. Pastor Richard D. Meadows Jr.

Finally, I will leave comments on each of these blogs signaling their nomimation for the Kreativ Blogger Award. Thanks again to Drusilla for your nomination. It's indeed am honor to be included in a group of such creative and insightful bloggers. Yes, they are all Great with a capital "G!"! Continue on friends and pass the blessing forward.

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

Sunday, February 22, 2009

"GRAN MAMA RITA" IN CELEBRATION OF SIMPLE ABUNDANCE!

Rita Mae Washington Mose

Because He has inclined His ear to me,
therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.
Psalm 116:2

This posting is dedicated to my grandmother, I called her Gran Mama Rita! It brings tears to my eyes as I write this! She's been deceased for sometime now, but the memories, the family gatherings, her personality are pronounced and strong. It's not even a matter of closing my eyes- she's present and alive, appreciate for all that she has instilled in me as a woman and child of God!
Her loving spirit is evident. I have a flood of wonderful memories. First let me acknowledge this tremendous gift that my Cousin Omar and his mother Aunt Shirley gave me-yes this priceless black and white photo. I had never seen it until last Christmas Holiday when I returned home to Buffalo. Upon my departure Omar presented the photo on a disc and it really was the best present I could have ever received. There "Gran Mama " stood next to a vehicle looking so sharp, so assured-as she always did. What a smile!
She loved her crossword puzzles and was so competent that she'd complete the New York Times Puzzles. It was clear she wasn't hindered by the challenge! She gave herself an alloted time to complete them. Just like Scrabble lovers, she too had an extensive vocabulary, word comprehension and a trusty puzzle dictionary. She'd would masterfully complete her puzzles and resort to the dictionary only after she she'd maticulously completed the entire puzzle. I won't repeat what she'd say-if she realized that that the word giving her grief was right there on her finger tips. I guess the thought would make her spout some well reserved profanity! Oh yeah-she knew the King's English! That was so funny to me and my brothers.
My grandmother lived in a small appartment but that never hindered her green thumb. She'd take a small plant-research it's name, origin and climate needs and if you returned week's later she'd have blossoms and new growth sprouting all over the once tattered specimine. Her plants would receive showers, homemade plant food and loving conversation and in-kind they'd grow beautifully!
Always when I visited her, she'd have a stewing pot on the stove. Her cooking pots and pans on the stove were usually filled with a meat and some beans or rice, she'd say, "You don't want any of that!" We'd laugh together because I didn't. But Lord knows if it were fried chicken you'd hurt yourself eating until it was gone. Now my household occassionaly has a delicious crockpot of black eyed peas and smoked turkey simmering-wouldn't she get a kick out of that!
Gran Mama Rita tried to save me from a childhood punishment that I rightfully deserved by slipping a quarter in my hand. The idea to pay back my debt, but that was too late. My mother had given me explicit instructions after school to buy a loaf of bread with the quarter she had given me, instead I spent it on my friends and treated them to candybars. "Who needed bread ?" must have been my thought! My Mother relinquished me to my room "to think about it"-door closed and there I lay on the floor crying for the evening.
Grandmama's quarter didn't save me from that punishment, but her love helped me in my solitary confinement.
Friends, I could go on and on about her, the sage advice she shared and her legacy of abundant living ! A wonderful pound cakes she lovingly called "rabbit cake," it lingers in my taste buds. Oh there's so many fondly recalled memorable moments: her expressed pride of her nephew Grover Washington Jr, my being able to sit in Jazz clubs and outdoor venues with Granmama listening and experiencing Grover's musical genius- "Play Grover!" she bellowed! My being able to see and feel her family ownership and pride during our college and high school graduations- "That's Shirley, my daughter!"; seeing her battle her illnesses- "I'm ok!"; witnessing her dance to some Mowtown Music (mouthing the lyrics)- "That's good music!" and watching her laughter at our many antics "What are you all doing?"- she wasn't embarrassed about appreciating the simple gifts of living!
And yes we'd discover many family photos that mysteriously disappeared and reappeared in her photo albums! What a joy! What a refreshing spirit! She'll forever reside in my family's heart and I say, " Thank you Lord for my sweet Gran Mama Rita!" To know her was to love her!
Come on friends let's celebrate God's gift of daily life, laughter, good food, great music, and love of family-SIMPLE ABUNDANCE!
Some favorite Motown hits that Gran Mama loved!


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

You’ve Got A Friend

  One of my favorite  songs is: “You’ve Got A Friend (originally by Carole King with Roberta Flack ) This song came rushing to my mind as I ...