May the God 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
This message was shared at Greater Works Christian Ministries, Church of God In Christ during their Annual Women's Day on Sunday, December 9, 2012. Often we miss the move of God and abandon having a lively hope because we're preoccupied. Inspirational Author, Linda Mose Meadows sheds light on the importance of embracing a spirit of expectation which is for the believer's greater good, no matter the appearance nor situation. God knows the plans that He has for each of us, we are encouraged to expect the best and push towards reaching our hearts desire especially in the midst of life's many challenges. Open your hearts and minds and claim what's yours! God does reward those who have a heart to serve others. And most importantly trust that it's all in His hands! Praise Him, Praise Him!
Linda Mose Meadows, Inspirational Author of: The Blessedness of Believing, A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lesson’s and God’s Promises
"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us."
Matthew 1:23 New International Version
It’s a magical time of year whether you reside in Suncity,
South Africa; Tempee, Arizona;
Vancouver, Canada
or Buffalo, New York.
It has not so much to do with the temperature, location, arid or blistering
heat but everything to do with embarking upon another Holy Christmas season and
freely receiving the ultimate gift of Jesus Christ, Immanuel. Truly it doesn’t
get any better!
Oh come, Oh come Immanuel, we sang this song with such
excitement. It seems at every turn there it was! Especially when Christmas
caroling and then as a closing or an opening hymn during our Sunday worship
services the message was clear it was about celebrating the birth of our Lord
and Savior. And yes-proclaiming peace on earth and goodwill towards all! How we
love baking our delectable cookies, trimming our trees and decorating our homes
as we are singing happily Oh Come, Oh Come Immanuel! Secular radio stations have even caught on
and play it on R & B stations. It’s that miraculous, holy time of year and
all can freely express that Immanuel means: “God with us!” Now that does give
me a special reassuring comfort! What about you?
Our spirits can proclaim that God is with us in our unpredictable
ups and downs; God is even there during the most perplexed life chapters! God
is with us in our celebrations, as well as our silent seasons. Friends, believe
that God is forever present!
He is my loving God and my fortress,
my stronghold and my deliverer,
my shield, in whom I take refuge, who
subdues peoples under me.
Psalm 144:2 NIV
One of the absolute best Christmas gifts given to you was what?
Something that made your heart skip a beat, a piece of clothing you felt you
couldn’t do without? That art piece which absolutely tugged at your heart?
Possibly it was a handmade creation, a treasured trinket, a one of a kind toy,
the tin can of heavenly baked goodies, or the phone call from a friend you
longed to reconnect with or was it the gathering of loved ones reminiscing and
their laughter filling the room? I don’t
know? But I recall the Kodak slogan: “The gift that keeps on giving.” That’s
the gift I truly long for! The material (admittedly) and but certainly the
supernatural! It’s a spiritual re-gifting of sorts that provides all my friends
and family with an infilling of love, peace and joy when the sweater is too
snug and the goodies have been gobbled up. I AM with you gift, why not receive a living
water gift that we didn’t have to be stampeded over during Black Friday or risk
experiencing our computers being hacked into on Cyber Monday because we choose
not to shop at the mall!
Are you in search of the perfect treasure to share? Imagine
it’s already in your presence, in your spirit, in your speech, in your essence!
It’s a thanksgiving, a spiritual rumbling, the voice within that is ignited in prayer
which connects us with a divine source, Emmanuel-in us! Oh my friends it’s
easier than reaching for the light switch! It’s forever with us! God is
listening and awaiting the attentive, the loving, the longing you! The you with
the hungry parched spirit! He’s awaiting your surrendered heart & soul! And
does He ever have a heartfelt conversation for you!
It’s your call! Come timidly or boldly! Reach out to Him in
a whispered petition, an audible plea, or maybe in a silent moment-sacred devotional,
a broken bow, or an exhilarating breath, an utterance of: “Lord I know you are
with me!” Come with a declaration: “Lord I am weak, worn-out and tried-but you
are strong! Help me, save me, guide me!”
It’s the soul awakening moment that acknowledges that our
God is all the present we need to share-we need to receive! Think of God's love, His gift as a divine package
that resembling ornate, stacked gift boxes containing a three in one blessing-the
Father, Son (Jesus Christ) and Holy Ghost with instructions designed to propel,
mend and sustain you! And the really good news is when we may not have an
overflowing bank account or the energy to purchase gifts which will be long
forgotten or appreciated, we can look to the hills from where our help comes
from!
Let’s declare that Jesus Christ is the ultimate gift that
can be had by all, no matter what’s in our Christmas Club Accounts! Be sure to include celebrating Jesus in your gift giving. Merry
Christmas!
"The virgin will
be with child and will give birth to a son,
and they will call
him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us."
Matthew 1:23 New International Version
Praise
Him, Praise Him!
Linda
Mose Meadows, Inspirational Author of:
The Blessedness of Believing, A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lesson’s and God’s
Promises
From
the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed.
Lead
me to the towering rock of safety, Psalm
61:2
Is this not the most beautiful storm photography you've ever seen? This photo makes me appreciate that from where we stand in a storm depends upon our perspective of things, wouldn't you agree! Our perspective and anticipated outlook do a waltz. Our heart and mind commingle and one finally succumbs to the other. It really becomes the battle of the wills. Good storm, bad storm-choose! The thought of experiencing a storm is daunting. Our most recent Super Storm Sandy packed a punch that recovery efforts are staggering from. Lives have been lost and perspectives forever changed. Ask folks what matters now and surely you'll receive a variety of responses. And for those that have lived through and recovered from hellish storms or a series of storms we may be “weather” weary; but what of the outcome? If you are reading this more than likely you survived, wouldn't you say? Or just maybe we are riding it out!
As Aretha Franklin says, “It can break you or it can make,…you hold the power!” From this view and this height we are victorious, and possibly not too beat up, unscathed if you will. But I’d like to think the storm moved out and possibly away from our vicinity. (Not always the case though! ) This view possibly represents our insight and/or perspective which now because of personal experience it assures us that we have lived to share the story!
This awe inspiring photography uplifts my spirit. I saw this on Pinterest and thought to myself, “Is this how God envisions our storms?” But what is our take, our perspective on this storm? Captivating or dreadful, depending upon our experience and mindset it can very well consume us? Just remember:
We don’t have a testimony, if we don’t testify!
We can’t be a victor if you haven’t known what it is to overcome a battle!
We can’t understand joy and/or pain if the experience is foreign!
We can’t share that Jesus is a deliverer if we haven’t known, nor recognized his compassion and life saving measures!
The more I read about the goodness of the Lord and am touched by His presence through a helping hand, a life affirming word or heartfelt gesture(s)-the clearer my understanding is about storms serving a purpose in the particular unsettling seasons of our lives. Surely they will come, but now I am inclined to draw nearer to the Divine source, instead of cowering in fear. We can trust that during our most heart wrenching storms God will not abandon us. It’s a fact that if I’m in relationship with Him-the Holy Spirit that we can make it because "Greater is He that is in [us] than, He that is in the world!” I John 4:4
Truly He can handle what we are helpless to manage. Yes, our storms (mental, psychological, financial, emotional, physical, relational, spiritual and natural...you name it!) sometimes seem to level us and knock us for a loop; can instead erect another stepping stone and not a road block to reaching our destiny. Later we’ll come to appreciate that the Lord had every thing under control.
Look at the tranquil water surrounding the stormy clouds and rain. The water is absolutely beautiful. Grasp the reality that despite the natural circumstances there is a divine, calming water surrounding us, think about that! Our life jackets are our help-the Holy Spirit and Holy Scripture, the life sustaining words written "in spirit and in truth!” John 4:24
I encourage you to discover insightful links and scriptures that address overcoming storms and remember there's power in prayer! Trust in the Lord and Lean not on your own understanding! Proverbs 3:5
Let's keep a song in our heart, yes a song of thanksgiving! Be not afraid that:
1. God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea, And rides upon the storm.
2. Deep in unfathomable mines Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs And works His sovereign will.
3. Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break In blessings on your head.
4. Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace; Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.
5. His purposes will ripen fast, Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste, But sweet will be the flower.
6. Blind unbelief is sure to err. And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter, And He will make it plain.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
Friends enjoy and listen in on the second of a two part series of :
LIBERATING TRUTH - "Part 2 - The Truth About My Recent Arrest" with Jill Capri-Simms, author and founder of Liberating Truth
Aired: Thursday, September 13, 2012
Guest Host: Inspirational Author~ Linda Mose Meadows, First Lady and member of St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church of Orlando, Orlando, FL
WOKB Gospel 1680AM, Orlando, FL or www.wokbradio.com
Start Time: 6:15pm EST
End Time: 6:45pm EST
Sharing With Great Joy,
Linda Mose Meadows, Inspirational Author of: The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises and Co-publisher of Eyes of Faith Magazine
I praise you because I am
fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
(NIV) Psalm 139:14
Thank you for
making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous--how well I know
it. (NLT) Psalm 139:14
There are so many confounding labels and marketing campaigns attempting to redefine and label us. Just watch a football game or a reality show, and count the endless commercials, observe and listen to their messages, can you detect what's for sale? And be oh so careful because when you decide to go shopping your carts will be filled with items that you hadn't initially intended on purchasing! The marketing guru's are very convincing! Print media does a fine job at selling us things, especially our children! We fall prey and before long we have adopted the subliminal advertisers messages. Their techniques are subtle but effective and we tell ourselves that we can't live with out the electronic gadgets, the food, and the "gear". Advertising is a billion dollar industry creating slick, sleek, eye catching ads which work tirelessly to bribe us into believing that we can be better, smarter, thinner and accomplished if we have "their" brand, "their" products and "their" services. But it's never free, it costs and there are consequences! If only we buy the right make-up, the bigger bling, the smart and fashionable furnishings, the expensive perfumes and the correct fiber foods-whatever the day's hot commodity is, once acquired, then and only then will we "A-ok" !
But when the rubber meets the road and life's issues begin to take precedence over the mounting acquisitions of more stuff, and none of it does the trick for addressing our personal and spiritual development. So what does? What will and can be replaced with our retail therapy, cluttered mindset and desire to have more? I believe I know what can halt the thirst or quench and deliver or parched souls. Possibly it's an elixir of truth about who's we are and to whom we belong. You need not spare any of your hard earned dollars, just know that your bill was paid at Calvary. Jesus did it for us! There are no price comparisons required or merchandise to be had. Only requirement that you need embrace is a willing heart, a renewed mind and an active search-a knocking if you will, a heartfelt searching! Yes, we need only participate in searching for an everlasting truth! A truth that beckons us to embrace a life sustaining friendship where if we knock God answers.
Keep on
asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will
find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. NLT Matthew 7:7
"Knock and the door will be open." Try an application of divine love. Love that delivers us and answers to questions that your soul is begging for! The advertisers dare not convey your beloved identity! If they told you, you'd have no need for their stuff, their trinkets, their clothing, their lipsticks, their enhancers and certainly not their footware. Just think of what the Divine desires to share with you regarding your true identity and purpose. Oh my friend, it exceeds the messages we are daily bombarded with. Your are more then adequate in Jesus Christ-triumphant, energized and delievered! Think of what God offers you and yours as a heathy alernative, a Holy Ghost elixir an infilling that will never rust or corrode. Here are several encouraging bible scriptures that will delight your very being! Scriptures that reveal who we are in Christ Jesus and what a King and Lord that is in love with you, thinks of you and me!
Our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, He dwells in us
1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19
We are joined in the Lord and am one spirit with Him .
1 Corinthians 6:17
God leads us in the triumph and knowledge of Christ .
2 Corinthians 2:14
The hardening of our mind has been removed in Christ .
2 Corinthians 3:14
We are new creatures in Christ .
2 Corinthians 5:17
We have become the righteousness of God in Christ .
2 Corinthians 5:21
Truly it's personal! And does it ever take work focusing on our personal, spiritual development!
But the benefits outway the failed attempts to kill our progress. The benefits indeed are powerfully positive-our generations to come will reap the harvest because we are heathy and generational bondages won't be able reek havoc. There's not a thing that the advertisers can sell me that God won't and can't provide. But we must seek Him, pray for continued guidance and sustenance! Come on friends let's stay connected to the tree of life. It's all in the Bible, the Holy Scriptures! God reminds us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made! We rejoice in the commitment of our growth! Thank you Lord for the awakening our spirits, We are who you say we are!
We have been made one with all who are in Christ Jesus .
Galatians 3:28
We are no longer a slave but a child of an heir .
Galatians 4:7
We have been set free in Christ .
Galatians 5:1
We have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places .
Ephesians 1:3
We are chosen, holy, and blameless before God . Ephesians 1:4
Walter Hawkins and Donnie McClurkin - Thank You
Praise Him, Praise Him! Linda Mose Meadows, Inspirational Author of: The Blessedness of Believing, A devotional Journey of Life's Lesson's and God's Promises
Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.
Psalm 40:5
Three times a charm! This old expression resonated in my spirit when I realized that I needed to blog about this weeks exciting, upcoming event with Jill Capri Simms. She is a humble and generous woman of God; an anointed ministry leader, music composer, soon to be newly published author and an insightful trail blazer. I encourage you to visit her website at: http://liberatingtruth.wix.com/jcsimms.
As an adult I’ve heard it said that, “three times a charm” and lately I am prone to believe that. I suppose the sentiment is that by the third undertaking you should be able to embark upon a familiar task with great ease. That could and should be the case but the flipside is that faith and favor aren’t predicated on intellect and repetitive activities. Thank God for Jesus and his open door policy! He will bless you in multiple ways you can’t fathom but truly will applaud. There are occasions when we have to repeat some life lessons before we can comfortably maneuver and hit our stride. But truthfully this isn’t about our natural stride at all! It’s about understanding that God’s sweet grace and mercy have everything to do with our navigating, surviving “successfully” down the dusty tracks of life. And being well acquainted with the trinity: the benevolent Holy Father; the loving Son, Jesus Christ and relying on the constant companion, the Holy Ghost! Now that’s hitting your stride! Three times is indeed a charm!
Jill understands the power of our triune God! God mercifully plants the right people on our paths to encourage us and show us the way. My conversations with Jill confirm that. God has gifted each of us and no matter what we perceive as our impact it’s vital to remember that the focus isn’t about us. Ministers like Jill and my husband really walk well in the truth of those shoes! Like Max Lucado says, “It’s not about you!” I realize this recent blessing God has bestowed upon me is far bigger and more important than me. Clearly I see it now! It’s about Jesus’ agenda and what he desires to do for us, in us, and yes, indeed through us! It depends upon us and our receptivity to the divine encounter had with the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost which leads us into all truth about God’s instructions and plans for us! But will we believe our sacred encounter when it occurs? Jill addresses that question eloquently in her upcoming radio show and actively demonstrates it in her multifaceted ministry.
(I am a witness: be a willing, prayerful vessel and watch what unfolds!) I trust that you too will choose to believe that our availability and faith in God works in direct concert with His divine plan. Relax and trust that our faith journeys include a divine plan (an intended “service” plan) that works well in conjunction with God’s kingdom building here on earth. Either way, if we partner with Jesus it’s definitely a win-win outcome! And oh yes, our partnership garners an encounter straight from the throne room. Even the fiery darts and unwelcome trials which weigh heavy upon us won’t topple over us.
I pray that you’ll join me on Thursday, September 13th at 6:15pm. This will be my third weekly trek to Florida’s Urban Empowerment Radio station and I am happily reporting. My first visit on Thursday, September 6th, 2012 was as Jill’s guest author sharing my devotional: The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises. Today, I am giddy with excitement because on this third visit I will return to WOKB 1680 AM as the guest host for Jill Capri Simm’s Liberating Truth which airs on Thursdays at 6:15pm. Hope you’ll listen in and learn more about Jill’s ministry and her soon to be released book: Him: Encounters with the Third Person.
God is surely in the blessing business and it’s good to realize that His encounters and blessings extend beyond the third, fourth and fifth times. Who knows what my future holds for media broad casting, and beyond but one of the things I am most comfortable about is the assurance that God does have a good and righteous plan for my life, for Jill’s ministry endeavors which doesn’t exempt you! Just imagine the wonderful encounters the Holy Spirit has awaiting you! It’s a matter of choice, a sure safety net! Turn on the radio up Ricky, Liberating Truth is on!
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 28:11 NIV
UPCOMING!
Today on LIBERATING TRUTH – “The Truth About My Recent Arrest” Part II –speaking with Jill Capri Simms, founder of Liberating Truth, Author owner and operator of Plumb Line Consulting, LLC
http://liberatingtruth.wix.com/jcsimms
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Guest Host: Linda Mose Meadows, Author of: The Blessedness of Believing and member of St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (Orlando, FL)
WOKB Gospel 1680AM Orlando, FL or www.wokb radio.com
Start Time: 6:15pm EST
End Time: 6:45pm EST
NOTE: We will be opening phone lines and addressing questions, comments and concerns at 407.894.1680
Mike enjoying Ebony featuring HBCU students. He was one of the student's selected for the Sept.2010, Educational Edition
“Your kingdom come, your will be done on
earth as it is in heaven."
NIV Matthew 6:10
One thing spontaneously spring boarded into the next this
morning. I awoke so anxious about our son. (Scripture warns us against being anxious but admittedly my thinking over- rode that truth.) He’s miles away and my
discerning internal radar was quite active! Ever had that foreboding feeling? Well that’s
what seemed to have latched onto me and I refused to ignore it! Although Mike's a young adult I still have hidden maternal
concerns. (Obvious to many I am sure.) I recalled having a dream that Mike was
an infant again and I was cradling him. Apparently there had been multiple events
occurring in the dream and I just wasn’t able to make sense of it, but in my
spirit I felt an urgency to spiritually connect with him, to reach out and hear
his voice. When I awoke I phoned him and began closely listening and then asking
a series of questions. Bingo! I then learned what issues were of deep concern, shared
my brand of advice and began to pray with him. This was no time for a “pitty pat”
prayer, but instead to make an urgent petition to our Heavenly Daddy! A prayer
to Abba Father declaring His-God’s word! It was time to begin proclaiming and decreeing
Mike’s steps, loosing God’s plan and
binding the enemy’s hand through warfare praying! I’d like to believe we were
handling God’s divine assigned business!
“Your kingdom come, your will be done on
earth as it is in heaven. NIV Matthew 6:10
In prayer my intent was to audibly establish that the enemy’s
plan was being demolished, thwarted no matter what it appeared to be and
instead to trust that God’s plan would prevail.
At the conclusion or our prayer and conversation and saying,
“Keep me posted, goodbye.” I dropped my head and prayed now with heart of
elevated thanksgiving, I distinctly felt it, heard it- the words in my spirit,
the tune, the melody and the song gurgling, welling up: Great Is Thy
Faithfulness! Instantly what I sang was
my truth, my elder’s truth that: “Great is his
faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lamentation 3:23. The
essence of this scripture was evident! It had a deeper meaning, a deeper
significance as I reflected on this morning’s devotional of sorts.
The truth is clearer now that for all Believer’s that aren’t
misguided by trials can fully acknowledge God’s outpouring love and mercy will remain
irreversible. Thank you Holy Spirit with impressing upon us that God never
snatches back His love and turns His back on us like some jilted lover. The
song got so good to me that I googled the words: Great is Thy Faithfulness
penned by Thomas Chisholm (1923):
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God, my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above;
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Pardon for sin And a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today And bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, With ten thousand beside.
Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me. www.dailyencouragement.net/hymnstory/great_is_thy_faithfulness.html
My morning wrapped up with several youtube videos which further validated and confirmed
the power and beauty ofAbba Father’s
faithful love. Thank goodness God's marvelous love is not exclusive to a marginal group! Listen to and marvel at the testimony of Donnie McClurkin and Bishop TD Jakes:
I trust your heart is also leaping!
~Prayer of Thanksgiving by Linda Mose Meadows~
Lord, thank you for the watershed moments we experience in our
waking hours.
Thank you for also allowing us to experience your paternal
love in moments of reflection, prayer and song. We take comfort in knowing that
you delight in our presence. We obtain so much positive validation when you allow
us to commune with you in spirit and truth. Thank you for keeping chronos time
at bay in order to absorb the lessons you wish to convey to us. Our heart
matters and burdens are much lighter, the load less daunting because once again
we’ve experienced the confirmation of your prevailing love and grace. Your power endued upon us is life changing! We
hear you, see you and feel you Lord! We are grateful for the Holy Scripture whichreminds us that "No weapon formed against us shall prosper." And "Great is [your] faithfulness; [your] mercies begin
afresh each morning.” I am singing Lord, we are singing your praises! To you be all glory, dominion and power in the
name of our benevolent Lord and Savior, in Jesus Christ we pray! Amen, amen.
Take a leap of faith and trust you'll land just where God intended.
Have a wonderful day!
Joshua 1:9
New International Version (NIV)
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Maybe it's in the spirit of the 2012 Summer Olympians that I feel so encouraged! These stellar athletes marvelously challenged themselves as they competed for the coveted gold, silver and bronze medallions. They emotionally and physically prepared for grueling exercises-many had previously experienced rejection and defeat. But that was in the distant past, yesteryear! In the present they focused on the metes ahead. With dogged determination they swam, leaped, raced, hurled and dazzled spectators with fearless abandonment, so it seemed. I marveled at Gabby Douglas and so many other outstanding athletes' grit and fortitude. It took endurance, great personal sacrifice and heart to compete. Well we too are competing daily, diligently staying afloat in a turmultuous, and often unrestrained world. Many of us are terribly challenged and feel the unspoken pressure with few coaches, mentors and team mates to cheer us on! But alas, we've got supernatural help that can lift us out of the muck and mire! No need to give up! We've got the Holy Ghost that not only protects us, but directs and speaks to us! Yes encourages us, pushes us to embrace a lively hope and to get moving! It's almost like being a kid again and with our best friend telling us, speaking not so softly in ear shot, "You can make it!" And so we go for it! We dare to trust this divine unction and stretch, reach and leap further than we've ever imagined because we believe what our hearts-our spirit has received!
I pray this eloquent art perfectly signals for you too, that it's time to look to the heavens, hear the voice of God, reach inward and move onward! It's a spiritual, divine exercise of sorts.It requires trust and the act of gracefully flinging your spiritual arms (spiritual muscle), extending yourself, getting over self imposed restrictions and trusting that God has planted in your heart the desire to live-live with joy and great promise that it's the Almighty that propels you, lifts you and most assuredly loves you (no matter how the competiton looks)! It's your time to go for the gold! As my little cousin would say, "Grace, grace grace!"
Sharing in
Faith,
Linda Mose Meadows,
Inspirational Columnist and Inspirational Author of: The Blessedness of
Believing A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
Marina photo by Linda Mose Meadows of St. Petersburg, Florida
A kaleidoscope is a cylinder
with mirrors
containing loose, colored objects such as beads or pebbles and bits of
glass. As the viewer looks into one end, light entering the
other creates a colorful pattern, due to the reflection off of the mirrors. Coined in 1817
by Scottish inventor Sir David Brewster,[1]
"kaleidoscope" is derived from the Ancient
Greekκαλός (kalos), "beautiful, beauty",[2]εἶδος (eidos), "that which is seen: form,
shape"[3]
and σκοπέω
(skopeō), "to look to, to examine",[4]
hence "observer of beautiful forms." [5]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaleidoscope
Just days ago while visiting St. Petersburg,
Florida I asked a dear friend Katherine if
she enjoyed kaleidoscopes? I am sure it seemed like a quirky question to her but
it was what popped into my mind. What
prompted the question you wonder? My answer is that it must have been all that
seemed to be happening in our midst, we were moving so quickly, but each occurrence
left a memorable impression. It was one great blessed colorful layer upon
another. The experiences were pronounced, vivid, colorful and lively. Here’s
what I am referencing:
(i.e. Witnessing the uninhibited pelicans interfering with the fishermen’s
space @ The Pier:
Possibly it was our walking past the majestic Banyan Tree after leaving the
Fine Arts Museum:
Or maybe it was the street banners hanging celebrating Carter G. Woodson.
The sight of the Miss Florida contestants (having many nationalities)and the little princesses, several
of which were noticeably dark complexioned, made my heart leap with joy because this is now
the great norm. Thank God! During my youth this diverse tierra wearing assembly didn’t generally occur
publicly. Surely it was a celebration for me because my loved ones always realized and said so that
beauty comes in all shades and sizes. It warms my heart that little girls of color can see living, beautiful examples all around them. We continually believe in a world of inclusion:
Or it must have been Katherine’s alterations and outstanding couture designs
which were being donned throughout the pageant:
Countless other kaleidoscope excursions come to mind! I bet you have your own also?
Gosh, I haven’t owned a kaleidoscope since I was a little girl living in the
“Fruit Belt” in Buffalo, New York.
Mileka and I were life long friends and generally if she received a gift from
her folks, so did I! I distinctly recall
my kaleidoscope being a red cardboard cylinder filled with rattling pieces and curiosity
got the best of me! I did as children
often do and took it apart! You guessed it! With my juvenile ingenuity I could
not reassemble what instantly had been demolished! My dissecting the
kaleidoscope and pouring out the contents exposed the fragile contents and that
was the end of that gift.
After pulling apart this handheld toy, there still remained a puzzle about how
those few pieces of plastic and card board shapes could create such an array of
attractive shapes and visions with each twist of the wrist. I had no
appreciation of the collected: mirrors, the filtered light and reflections needed to
complete this masterful creation. My reborn excitement has me in pursuit once again in
my adult life of a kaleidoscope. There will be no need to examine it and
obliterate its beauty.It’s magical,
almost mystical how threads, beads, shards of glass, colorful shapes are
transformed into geometric masterpieces. Like our life experiences some of
these moments cause us to gasp in amazement and marvel at the colorful
personalities, experiences, sights and sounds which can delight and uplift our
spirits. We are often twisted by life’s surprises, but thank God for His marvelous light.
My trip to St. Petersburg was
really God’s way of framing a myriad of events that expressed the hallmark of
his presence. The few aforementioned shared occurrences for me beautifully
exemplify that His presence is inescapable!
Yes my friends, the Spirit of our living God dwells among us and His being
is all around us. Scriptures can come to life! There is so much to be
thankful for! And I felt compelled to remind you that in our simple abundance if we
simply examine the layers and activities of our days, then it’s not hard to acknowledge and see the evidence
of our Lord and Savior. Come on and feel the rays- it's alright to stop and appreciate life's kaleidoscope!
Just take a look
around! With new eyes-see, feel and marvel the warm rays of the true
and transformative beautiful light!
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness
of the LORD in the land of the living! Psalm 27:13 (ESV)
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