Friday, April 10, 2009

BEING GRATEFUL FOR THE HERE AND NOW

A Post It Again Praise Moment!

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 friends.





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 summer school 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

From My Heart To Yours,
Linda Mose Meadows, Author

The Blessedness of Believing

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

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

THE MORNING SON ~ JUST TO BE CLOSE TO YOU!





"You see the people crowding against you," his disciples answered, "and yet you can ask,

'Who touched me?'

" But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it."

Mark 5:31,32



Friends, my husband is a compassionate soul, with a caring heart. Richard Meadows, Jr. has a gift for enlightening the hearers of God's word! Read his poignant devotional and relish on what dwells deep within each of us, which is a desire to draw closer to God! Enjoy:




"Just to be close to you, just to be close to you is my desire....”


A few years ago Teddy Turpin, former Minister of Music at Calvary
Baptist Church sang the song that spoke to my heart. He sang about being close
with God and his creation. It was sung early in the morning and usually could be
hummed all day. The thought of being close to the holy would be on my mind as it
is now.


That’s me being so close yet so far away from my creator.


I have a busy day ahead and it includes going to a prayer breakfast and
talking to church folks but at the same time trying to remain present with God.
True the Scriptures are full of reminders of God being present with us, a
Parakletos (Gr.) to help us along the journey. Just as the kids use cell phones
and walk with each other and are not present with one another, I too can ignore
my comforter.


At times I am just that busy. I don’t notice my environment, nature,
people, or the spiritual atmosphere when I am so busy. I am trying more often to
turn inward to listen to my own heart beat and the sound of my own breath.


These are sounds which in the past have aggravated me. They were annoying
because I have no need to hear my own heart beat. I ask myself why the doctors
listen to my breathing and my heart beat. Press on my abdomen and listen to my
digestive system? My inward body tells the doctors more than my mouth. My three major systems; circulatory, pulmonary and digestive tell the doctors how healthy I am.


I imagine that is why Jeremiah wrote “I the LORD search the heart, [I] try
the reins.” With an inward movement maybe I can hear what God hears, or become increasingly aware of what is going on inside of me. Maybe Teddy’s words to his song should be “Just to be close to me.”


The woman in Mark 5 knew that is she got closer to Jesus she would be
healed. I know that if I allow myself to get closer to God I will feel better.
If I allow myself to get closer to me I will feel better.


My inward journey will allow me to hear me and see me more clearly. I share
this because clarity is good for the soul.

Prayer: "Hear me Oh God as I try to hear myself and what you are saying to me by your Spirit. Let your words saturate my being and bring me joy as only you can bring to me your wonderful child. Keep us in the peace that understands every heart and mind. Allow needs to be met and desires to be fulfilled on this day.
Word."

Devotional Written on April 4, 2009 by:

Rev. Richard D. Meadows, Jr., (MDiv.)
http://www.rdmeadowsjr.blogspot.com/

You are invited you to visit other devotional writings of
The Morning Son also on iseecolor.com

So Happy To Share:

Linda Mose Meadows, Author

The Blessedness of Believing

A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises (Tate, Nov. 2007)http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

Sunday, April 5, 2009

APPRECIATING YOUR SIMPLE ABUNDANCE

Saturday, was another blessing from God. I had the opportunity to be invited as guest speaker during The Episcopal Church Women of the St. Augustine Episcopal Church's 29th Annual Prayer Luncheon. I am so greatful for all the positive feedback and wonderful outpouring of love. It was evident from the comments and affirmation that God had touched our hearts and minds! Their theme was: Take Time to Smell The Roses and my addendum was: AKA Appreciating Your Simple Abundance.













I've commanded you to be strong and brave.


Don't ever be afraid or discouraged !


I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go."


Joshua 1:9







In summation we are very busy living, too busy to smell roses and missing out on the big picture of life. Our homes , our sacred spaces are meant to be retreats and safe harbors where we dock our weary souls, tired minds, and our beleagures spirts when not another place will suffice. It's good to have a place to rest and call home.We cherish our things and our stuff: artifacts, baskets, adornments, furnrnishing, but what's residing in our hearts?




What's in the corridors, the resesses of our hearts and minds- what comfortably is taking lodging at home in our hearts? These are the questions in my spirit, that cause me to reflect.



Could it be an umbrage, a resentment, a spirit of just not good enough, a buried hurt, a pain that we can't shake? Are we being unloving or dissappointed by some life circumstance? Certainly I can't act as though I am exempt. But hopefully a new resident has lodged in our hearts and is taking over: redemption and her children, thanksgiving and their offspring, joy and his cousins: love, adoration, celebration, forgiveness and grace?




What things are we passionate about? When do you feel most at home and who's at the core- the center? Possibly you've invited Jesus!



Is anybody at home who really cares to take time and smell the roses? Well while we mull over that concern, enjoy Stephanie Miss singing Home:















In our desire to smell the roses and appreciate simple abundance let me encourage you to take inventory of your personal effects- reflect on God's word ( find scriptures that line up with your personal effects):



  • Waxing /cleaning the floors-think about the Lord's power and majesty (i.e. ThePsalm :5,6)




  • Communication/How we speak to each other/ God gives us clear instructions for powerful living.




  • Bags of potting soil-sowing good seeds-reap a harvest here in this life and the life to come.




  • Tool chests,with nails, hammers etc.: what relationships need to be repaired?




  • Baskest- what's overflowing? Share your joy, your gifts, your peace, passions and time!




  • Shoes-give feet to faith! Get moving, believe and trust God to realize your dreams, your desires!



  • Dishes-what love are your serving up today?




  • Linens: be secure in God's word! Wrap yourself up in them.




  • Music- what melody is playing in your heart?




  • Candles- we are the light of the world, we're ambassadors for Christ!




  • Clothing-dress yourselves in the fruit of the spirit: joy, gentleness, love, meekness, peace, temperance etc.




  • Chest of drawers/dresser- what's tucked away that needs to be pulled out and reexamined?




  • Curtains/Shades: pull back, lift up the shades and don't be afraid to let the light of the Lord expose/ shine on the interiors of your lives.





REMEMBER! IT'S PRAYERS THAT:


Permeate the walls of our homes, prayers to the most high God that refresh our spirit and wash us brand new.

Make it tolerable to place keys in locked doors of life's struggles that otherwise would have forever remained locked.



That cause us to love and celebrate home even with it's imperfections.




That bathe the heart and soothe the weary for soul for just another stretch of this natural and spiritual journey.



Oh my friends, it's a new season, its taking an honest look at our inventories and making us appreciate God/Jesus, our Lord and Savior, our relationships, nature, and the many blessings that are bestowed upon us and then it's easy to smell the roses and appreciate the view!



From My Heart To Yours,

Linda Mose Meadows, Author
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises
( Tate Publishing, Nov. 2007)

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

JOYFUL GARMENTS: DRESS FOR SUCCESS



Be completley humble and gentle;


be patient,


bearing with one another in love.


Ephesians 4:2



Looking to support a local and international worthy endeavor that promotes self sufficiency, goodwill and economic empowerment for women? I believe its right here in our backyard and it’s Dress for Success!
Women that become affiliated with this wonderful organization are mentored, nurtured and provided with the essential business attire and positive direction needed to begin the necessary steps required to become motivated to take charge of their destinies. The possibilities are very exciting. Women who normally are not readily invited to be apart of the business world's equation are welcomed to embrace a new philosophyand mindset that is inclusive and inviting of them-it’s uplifting and a breathe of fresh air! Their dreams for self sufficiency can be realized. Practical tools for successful living are shared! It's not simply outwear that is emphasized. Indeed, they are fully clad in brand new joyful garments-their self esteem skyrockets! It's cause for praise.



My friends, I urge you to consider partnering with such an awesome endeavor! Visit the
Dress for Success website, and contact them without hesitation! There’s a women and her family that will be all the better because of your unselfish act. Gather your circle of caring friends; learn what you can do to make a difference and join in the mission of uplifting others. Yes, Dress for Success are in communities around the nation and right here in our own backyards. No need to fret it’s very easy to provide a helping hand. Those of us residing in Tidewater contact:


Debra M. Dandridge, Executive Director/
Co-Founder Dress for Success Hampton Roads
645 Church Street, Ste. 203
Norfolk, VA 23510
757-961-7148
www.dressforsuccess.org


Remember we’re God’s helping hands!
Happy to Share:
Linda Mose Meadows, Author
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises ( ate, Nov. 2007)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 ...