Thursday, January 5, 2012

IT'S A HAPPY NEW YEAR LEARNING NEW HABITS!





I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
Psalm 63:2


New International Version (NIV)



It was amazing for me to witness how attentive the young college folks in my home were. It was Christmas break and they seemed to relax with the television on, lap tops plugged in and their smart phones in hand. They seemed hypnotized by one or the other, possibly mesmerized is more appropriate!


They huddled together and listened intently to the television and even commented in unison about the antics of several of the "stars" during a particular episode of some "Reality" show that I knew nothing of. I immediately wondered whose reality was this really? The star's strained tones, always boisterous, obnoxious behavior and argumentative conversations were exhausting.


But my focus shifted from the tirades when women began to speak at length about making New Year’s Resolutions, now that got my immediate attention. Admittedly I am out of touch with the recent line-up with this new crop of celebs on these reality shows, but their over dramatic personalities and one sided perspectives appeared very loop-sided, self serving, slanted and greedy for the most part. But it's not my call, not my "Reality" production, and certainly not my lifestyle being showcased. Let’s give each other a high five on that reality! But from what I could discern their rituals or habits have a lot to be desired. Maybe that was the fascination with why we watch these unscripted series. Or are they? But distinctly I heard (sensed their) preceived DEFEAT, with their pronouncements regarding and maintaining their New Year’s Resolutions.


Each person boldly shared with convincing gestures where they would and wouldn't frequent, what they planned on acquiring and the things that they'd not tolerate anymore. But no sooner than those pronouncements spilled from their mouths they shared that they realized that their resolutions were already going to be short lived (just like the standard resolutions that so many of us make). Often it's all for not. But I too have been there and done that! You know made an elaborate plan and strategy for the New Year which failed. So often we mean well, but our well planned out resolutions are short lived. Our stamina and commitment seems fleeting and we’re back to our old habits. The resolutions are gone bye-bye and generally don’t make it through the week. As we mature we dispense with this practice and it is back to business as usual! But something is really missing! Now I am trying to make no promises to myself or others that I sense are already futile. But I learned of a Divine source that pushes and prompts me! No resolution can do that! So after my good chuckle at the confusing reality show I realized that it was time to refocus, time to quiet myself, read , reflect, pray and get some spiritual direction. Is that you also? Later that morning I reached for a new addition to my inspirational library and read the following from Jesus Calling-Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young.



"I WANT YOU TO LEARN A NEW HABIT.

Try saying, “I trust You, Jesus" in
response to whatever happens to you. If there is time to think about whom I am
in all My Power and Glory; ponder also the depth and breadth of My Love for you.
This simple practice will help you see me in every situation, acknowledging my
sovereign control over the universe. When you view events from this
perspective-through the Light of my universal Presence-fear loses its grip on
you. Adverse circumstances become growth opportunities when you affirm your
trust in Me no matter what. You receive blessings gratefully, realizing they
flow directly from My hand of grace. Your continual assertion of trusting Me
will strengthen our relationship and keep you close to Me. Psalm 63:2; Isaiah
40:10-11; Psalm 139:7-10"





I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
Psalm 63:2 (NIV)



See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:10-11 (NIV)




Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:7-10 (NIV)




I suspect the Holy Spirit has also given you goose bumps. God is speaking to us! It's clear why so many of our resolutions don't make it out of the gate-our old habits win! These habits push God aside! We've overlooked the most crucial ingredient of getting in the habit of remembering and actively trusting Jehovah, our Author and Creator of the universe. He’s the very One-the I Am that has birthed our hopes, dreams and desires. There is no plan if God is not a part of it.



There can be no hope of getting through the tough obstacles if we've not carried the baton of faith, the powerful Holy Scripture in our hearts/minds and love for being a child of the most High God. We can't make it and possibly believe that our natural stamina will sustain us in this world!



There’s nothing that can replace, refresh and restore us like Jesus! If you have one resolution let that be to learn a new habit of entrusting ourselves and all that concerns us to Jesus. Today friends, tell yourselves, your loved ones, and Him: "I trust you Lord! I am in your capable and wonderful care!" Now that’s a resolution that will remain, let’s get in the habit! Happy New Year everyone!


With A Thankful Heart!Linda Mose Meadows, Urban Views Weekly & Empower Magazine Columnist and 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


http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/


http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/


http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/

Monday, January 2, 2012

A VERY ENCOURAGING WAY TO KICKSTART MY 2012 BLOGGING: WORDPRESS.COM’S 2011 BLOGGING IN REVIEW!

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough,and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity...Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow." Melodie Beattie, Motivational Author

WordPress.com presented an annual report of my blog: The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises. This was a capsule of my 2011 blogging and a great way to jumpstart the new year. I tremendously appreciated their Happy New Year notice and just wanted to spread some encouragemet to the seasoned blogger and to those that are possibly embarking upon a new journey of blogging! It was a report with all the bells and whistles, I just couldn't capture that here but felt that it was such a fun and beneficial piece of news that I had to share it!

So here goes my wordpress.com annual report:

" Your overall score is not known (details).To kick off the new year, we’d like to share with you data on The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises’s activity in 2011...Crunchy numbers

A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 2,700 times in 2011. If it were a cable car, it would take about 45 trips to carry that many people. In 2011, there were 23 new posts, growing the total archive of this blog to 251 posts. There were 37 pictures uploaded, taking up a total of 3mb. That's about 3 pictures per month.The busiest day of the year was February 1st with 37 views. The most popular post that day was EXPLORING THE MEASURE OF THE MAN.
EXPLORING THE MEASURE OF THE MAN (1/4)EXPLORING THE MEASURE OF THE MAN (2/4)EXPLORING THE MEASURE OF THE MAN (3/4)EXPLORING THE MEASURE OF THE MAN (4/4) GOD'S BEEN JUST THAT GOOD! THE POWER OF BEING UNDERESTIMATED (1/2)THE POWER OF BEING UNDERESTIMATED (2/2)GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOU! BLESSINGS TO OUR BELOVED MEN: A FATHER'S DAY TRIBUTE! REMARKABLE CHAUTAUQUA: A SOUL AWAKENING EXPERIENCE! (1/6)REMARKABLE CHAUTAUQUA: A SOUL AWAKENING EXPERIENCE! (2/6)REMARKABLE CHAUTAUQUA: A SOUL AWAKENING EXPERIENCE! (3/6)REMARKABLE CHAUTAUQUA: A SOUL AWAKENING EXPERIENCE! (4/6)REMARKABLE CHAUTAUQUA: A SOUL AWAKENING EXPERIENCE! (5/6)REMARKABLE CHAUTAUQUA: A SOUL AWAKENING EXPERIENCE! (6/6)HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR KING - PAYING TRIBUTE TO DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING , JR.AboutMEET YOU AT THE WELL: HAVING A HEART-TO-HEART WITH JESUS!WE ARE CHRISTMAS! (1/2)WE ARE CHRISTMAS! (2/2)WE ARE CHRISTMAS! (1/2)WE ARE CHRISTMAS! (2/2)

How did they find this blog? The top referring sites in 2011 were:
Some visitors came searching, mostly for the power of being underestimated, devising a marketing plan, charles bibbs, and linda mose meadows.
Where did they come from?
North America91.5% The United States6.1% Canada0.7% Dominican Republic0.7% Panama0.3% Trinidad and TobagoAsia31.7% Philippines12.7% India11.1% Indonesia7.9% Hong Kong7.9% JapanEurope27.5% The United Kingdom12.5% Russia12.5% Greece10.0% Iceland5.0% BelgiumAfrica54.5% South Africa18.2% Kenya9.1% Namibia9.1% Ghana9.1% ZimbabweSouth America50.0% Brazil20.0% Argentina10.0% Ecuador10.0% Guyana10.0% ColombiaOceania100.0% Australia

Most visitors came from The United States. Philippines & Canada were not far behind.
Who were they?
These were the 5 most active commenters on this blog:
1 student loan forgiveness free 3 comments
2 Only student debt consolidation loans 2 comments
3 Cheap fossil purses 2 comments
4 interesting facts 1 comment
5 Miguel Ubidia 1 comment Attractions in 2011

These are the posts that got the most views on The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises in 2011.
1 EXPLORING THE MEASURE OF THE MAN 0 comments January 2011
2 GOD'S BEEN JUST THAT GOOD! 4 comments October 2010
3 THE POWER OF BEING UNDERESTIMATED 3 comments November 2010
4 GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOU! BLESSINGS TO OUR BELOVED MEN: A FATHER'S DAY TRIBUTE! 0 comments June 2011
5 REMARKABLE CHAUTAUQUA: A SOUL AWAKENING EXPERIENCE! 1 comment July 2010
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So glad to see another year and have an opportunity to marvel at and of course write about the marvelous sights, sounds and miracles I've yet to behold! Keep living with great hope and always continue your writing! Happy New Year my friends! God bless you!

Linda Mose Meadows, Urban Views Weekly & Empower Magazine Columnist and 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
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/
http://eyesoffaithmagazine.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 ...