IN YOUR HEARTS AS YOU PRAY BE SURE TO UTTER, " THANK YOU LORD, FOR ALL YOU'VE DONE FOR ME!"

RE-POSTING PRAISE!

from Random Acts of Kindness

The LORD bless you, and keep you; The LORD make His face shine on you, 
 And be gracious to you;

The LORD lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.'
Numbers 6:24-26

"And now may the LORD show lovingkindness and truth to you; and I also will show this goodness to you, because you have done this thing.
2 Samuel 2:6

What had ignited this thanksgiving in the midst of some confusion that was begging for attention and recognition like a screaming toddler? Surely it couldn't have been this Monday morning’s unanticipated “cleaning up”, “straightening up” as Mama aptly labels it.  But I do know that something definitely led to this mornings praise and worship that overshadowed all of the foolishness. Maybe it was my momentarily scanning Facebook, reading my notifications then virtually visiting my friends pages which had me gravitate towards the wall of  Random Acts of Kindness. Looking at their colorful graphics and spiritual messages there was no doubting that I would immediately share several of their timely, upbeat-encouraging words and post them on my own wall. Sounds familiar I bet. Determined to keep the momentum flowing I hurriedly ate my breakfast, and got busy focusing –“straightening up”, gathering a load of rugs to be laundered, then it was a frantic pace of applying cleaning solutions, wiping and spraying as I cleaned the bathrooms. It was much too quiet so I turned on Pandora and enjoyed my Tramaine Hawkins station. Absolutely I love hearing her sing: Changed.

A change,

A change has come over me!

My spirit concurs, “Me too, Sister Tremaine, I can attest to that!”

Lord knows that is distinctly the truth, I have got options on how I’ll choose to respond and engage the enemy. Yes, thank goodness for the reminder of that on yesterday. Instead it is time to be still and remember the joy God showered on me and a gathering of friends yesterday. My heart initially was heavy but God had a great surprise in store for all of us.

As I reflect on Sunday, it was so sweetly orchestrated by the divine. Several of us all had a similar idea and that was to meet at our elder friend's home-unexpected there we were. It began when we casually gathered and then it happened, assembling our chairs closer (circular fashion) to our beloved elder/surrogate mother/ aunt/ confidante/ friend. And we felt it, subtle but pronounced, it was in the air, the outpouring of the divine elixir of shared wisdom, love, and anointing flowing freely. Mother wit took her rightful seat to. Laughter, prayer, repentance, joy, struggles, victories and pain weren't withheld. Nodding of heads and voracious hearts eagerly soaking up nuggets which caused the conversational coverings to be freely exposed, flung aside and open heartfelt issues sprung. Oh I am so thankful for the unearthed revelations birthed and shared! We concurred that what the devil had intended for our demise, God turned around and allowed "it" to be for our good. The liberated conversations, the fellowship, the kindred hearts erupted into prayerful thanksgiving that God was so active in the midst of it all and we continue to stand on those truths. We are persevering still, we  overcame much and it's evidenced that our scripts are yet unfolding. God had and has plans for our good. It's so clear that that God sent my sisters and adopted mother this way! Collectively our hearts leaped when we realized that although there are apparent difficulties and valley experiences that we must encounter, it never negates the awesomeness of our Jehovah God! He's with you and me especially during our moments of isolation. So my energy burst entailing: scrubbing, searching and reflecting indeed is a part of this watershed of thanksgiving to the Lord. Surely you see it also! It validates we are not abandoned and alone, it’s just a matter of when God will connect us with other believers. And you know what? Our meeting together could not have occurred on a better day! This was indeed no random act but God’s way of once again displaying his kindness. Thank you Holy Ghost! Time to go and tackle my closet for the clothes give-away!  Be blessed my brothers,and be further encouraged my sisters!

PRAYER:

Yours is the kingdom of heaven and of earth! We acknowledge that we belong to you and every good and perfect gift comes from you God even when our worlds are quaking! Thank you Lord for all you've done for me and mine! Without you we’d be forever lost. You are our great and mighty Heavenly Father! We decree and declare that the spiritual gifts you've provided will enlarge our territories for your plan and our consecrated good. We love you and are so appreciative of your numerous acts of kindness and mercy towards us, and that which concerns us. Let us not be hindered, nor distracted by the evil one. Bless those that are in need of a divine touch and are in search of a new direction. Let us be instrumental in sharing the Good News of the Gospel and your love through service and prayer. Help us Lord in our struggles to overcome hurts and hardship. We will not be weary in well doing and cheerfully endeavor to serve you in spirit and in truth. With hearts ready for service we continually behold your presence in awe and thanksgiving!  Thank you for the blood shed for our redemption and salvation. Yours is the honor, glory and the praise, in Jesus name we pray! Amen!

        Ledisi @ Potter’s House singing Thank You Lord

Joyful, Joyful,

Linda Mose Meadows, Inspirational Author of: The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises and Destined To Receive, Co-publisher of Eyes of Faith Magazine

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/
http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/   

PUSH BACK AND TAKE A LOOK!

Often life is so busy, hectic at times that sitting still is foreign. On those moments that I do decide to still my mind, breathe deeply and just relish being, there's a "sweet spot" that provides solace for my weary state. Friends do you have such a place? There's a sanctuary that I have carved out on my sun porch. It's really not that obvious. My plaid pull-out sofa bed that one can't easily bounce off of is nestled strategically near the window. It's seen better days, but does it ever lend itself for great snoozing, reading and writing!  I often retreat there when I allow myself! It's my sacred space for my literary escapes. When no one is around I retreat there and enjoy time alone. The alone time is time well spent, truly a gift from God. This sanctuary reminds me of being with a trusted friend who's there when needed.

When I sat down on the sofa today I quickly realized it had been much too long-listening, awakening my spirit with the deeper things of life. The space allows me time for renewal. When I unlock the doors to the sun porch and don't just peak in or "straighten-up" before long my spirit retreats and reflects. This often results and mushrooms into a glorious nap, reaching for a magazine or novel awaiting me, creating an overdue blog post, reading or writing my devotionals, praying, singing or gazing out the window and marveling at nature.  In those instances I am smiling, noticing what I've overlooked and/or applauding the subtle shifts in the seasons. Normally I push the drapes on both sides of the sliding glass windows allowing for a little sunlight. Depending on where I'm seated I can only see tree branches or a section of the banister deck. There is only a mere view of the green outdoors if I settle for that. Occasionally if I want the feeling of the outdoors inside my space I fold the drapes up and over the curtain rod.  With this simple maneuver the room is transformed and exposes beautifully the top of the swing set, the neighbor's flowering hedges, the fascinating birds, butterfly's fluttering and the climbing vines wrapped around the tree trunks. Visually it's stunning, even startling and it really exposes a sweet tranquility that resuscitates my soul. And then friends it's crystal clear why I seem to have been bombarded with so many distractions unable to re prioritize and take a moment to push back, take an introspective look and just breathe! 

Today, God orchestrated that I would be open to Him, His instructions. I grabbed my laptop and cell phone, snapped photos, wrote what was on my heart, opened the windows and heard nature's songs in their full chorus. I whispered my thanks givings, because  God knows when the windows are open there's no reason for shouting! And I would like to think that God gave me the bright idea to lift the curtains over the rod no matter how uneven they would appear! It's simply another divine opportunity to push back and take a look. My heart was receptive!  

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:"

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Transformed by the Love of God, Linda Mose Meadows; Blogger, Motivational Speaker and Inspirational Author of: Destined To Receive: Reflections and Devotionals Celebrating The Love of God (Createspace, 2013) The Blessedness of Believing  A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises (Tate Publishing, 2007) 

 http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

 http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

 http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/   

EXPERIENCING RENEWAL & TRANSFORMATION ON GOOD FRIDAY!

Good Friday collage created by Linda Mose Meadows

"Kites,rise highest against the wind, not with it." Sir Winston Churchhill

On Good Friday I shared reflections at St. John Episcopal Church of New Haven's 7 Last Words "I Thirst "(John 19:28). This power packed afternoon examined Jesus Christ's human response during a horrific crucifixion. The other esteemed participants were: The Rev. Canon George Kovoor, Dr. Grace Kim, Dr. John Hare, Mrs. Terry Hare (cellist) and Mr. Robert Messore (guitarist). 

I shared a fascinating account about a young man, Kingsley who lived in the Cameroon (West Africa), resided in cramp, overrun dwellings with his family, worked as an underpaid life guard and was determined to have a better life. On his second attempt he and his family made the difficult and excruciating decision to scrape their meager earnings together and allow Kingsley to venture on to Europe. Long story short, Kingsley survived a horrific journey, several set-backs, including being stranded in the Sahara Desert and enduring an overcrowded rusty boat ride nearly capsizing! Kingsley clearly shares that his life is “very, very hard” but feels that there must be a solution for a better life.  He's a young man in a valley depressed situation and is seeking refuge outside of his familiar surroundings. Admittedly life’s setbacks and hardships will cause you to hang your head, bury your head in the chest of loved ones and sob. And  these occurrences may just catapult you in the hands of the wicked who intend to crucify you. Oh it's harrowing and just possibly you end up facing a treacherous shore with a fleet of rusty boats and no life-jacket. But what does this have to do with Jesus, so glad you asked?  I believe there's a distinct correlation with being thirsty and yearning for more of life. Yes, more choices, more freedom, more! Jesus is clear about his need and his unnerving pain. Kingsley may not have endured the pain Jesus suffered but there is a deep down desire for relief! Surely it's not the relief which 5th Avenue and Wall Street declare is needed. But I discern that more agape love, peace, joy and encounters that keep us humbly seeking God’s grace and mercy are the order of the day.

CeCe Winans’ lyrics aptly describe what it means to thirst for God”:

We thirst for You, we search for You

In a dry and barren land we're longing for Your hand

To guide us to a place where You can cleanse us with Your rain

Baptize us once again we thirst for You

We thirst for You, we search for You

In a dry and barren land we're longing for Your hand

To guide us to a place where You can cleanse us with Your rain

Baptize us once again we thirst for You

Oh Lord, we are waiting

Let Your river flow

Come flood our hearts again

Quench our thirsty souls

We thirst for You, we search for You

In a dry and barren land we're longing for Your hand

To guide us to a place where You can cleanse us with Your rain

Baptize us once again we thirst for You

Oh Lord, we are waiting

Let Your river flow

Come flood our hearts again

Quench our thirsty souls

We thirst for You, we search for You

In a dry and barren land we're longing for Your hand

To guide us to a place where You can cleanse us with Your rain

Baptize us once again we thirst for You

We thirst for You, we search for You

In a dry and barren land we're longing for Your hand

To guide us to a place where You can cleanse us with Your rain

Baptize us once again we thirst for You

We thirst for You, we search for You

In a dry and barren land we're longing for Your hand

To guide us to a place where You can cleanse us with Your rain

Baptize us once again we thirst for You

 http://www.songlyrics.com/cece-winans/thirst-for-you-lyrics/#o3Eep0s2HsMz2tRb.99

Thank God there are power packed scriptures that remind us how to quench our spiritual thirst:

John 4:14 (ESV) 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.[a] The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

John 7:37 (ESV) Rivers of Living Water 37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.

Isaiah 44:3 (ESV) 3 For I will pour water on the thirsty land,    and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring,    and my blessing on your descendants.

John 19:28 (ESV) The Death of Jesus 28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.”

John 7:38 (ESV) 38 Whoever believes in me, as[a] the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”

Lessons Jesus Teaches When He Utters “I Thirst.”

Endurance-we must have endurance and not give up or give in! Endure hardships, calamity, tests, even exposure for the world to scrutinize. Jesus remained on the cross, the scriptures were fulfilled because of his obedience. We should thank God for Jesus having an obedient spirit! What often appears and finality is not entire story. Your triumphant moment is yet to be revealed. As He endured the suffering and shame on Good Friday, Easter morning was on the horizon. On lookers could only see what they saw.

Prayer- Jesus teaches us to remain steadfast and in a posture of prayer. Surrender your will, even when faced with righteous indignation, surrender! Whisper in faint tones, cry out if you must-especially when we are facing desert experiences, it’s essential that we thirst for more of God. Seek Him through studying the word of God. Don’t know what to pray, pray the scripture, use those very words when you need direction. More of Him and less of _____________            ( you complete the sentence).  The divine Jesus is draped in humanity audibly expressing a real need to be rescued! This simple petition with the life altering sentiment states “I thirst!”

Drink- In other words, “Lord I need you to save me right now!” Remember Jesus’ words to the woman at the well in John 4:14 ESV 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.[a] The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” Jesus “the bread of heaven”, the giver of life needs a lifeline! He goes directly to the source. Mimic that and be assured that God knows what’s happening to you.

Remain Humble- Jesus has modeled for us bold humility! He didn’t operate in his might to obliterate all those that betrayed and him, instead he remained suffocating and drowning in his own blood, body sagging from the pull, weight and gravity of a mean, cruel life experience. The enormity at that moment was more than his body, soul and spirit could sustain! Heaven must have wept for our crucified Lord & Savior. 

Acknowledge Your Fears-Jesus demonstrates for us that fear is natural but we must not allow it to navigate our decisions. And more importantly not to grumble when the world gives us sour grapes!! It’s prophetic indeed in Psalm 69:21 “They gave me poison for food and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink.” And I recall Jesus stating in John 6:51 ESV ‘I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”

Be Transformed & Enjoy The Living Water-And finally brothers and sisters in Christ we can partake in our transformation and declare that: “When you/ [insert your name] pass through the waters, [Jesus] will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:2  

And why is that? Because God has a plan to prosper and not harm you! Jeremiah 29:11 assures me of all of this. Kingsley reaches his destination, weary and warn but he makes it! Surely you can too! Thirsty, go on friends drink up!

Transformed by the Love of God, Linda Mose Meadows; Blogger, Motivational Speaker and Inspirational Author of: Destined To Receive: Reflections and Devotionals Celebrating The Love of God (Createspace, 2013) and Blessedness of Believing  A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises (Tate Publishing, 2007) 

 http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

 http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

 http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/   

IT'S JUST THAT EASY SAY,"YES TO THE DRESS!"

“A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment a single man contemplates it,

bearing within him the image of a cathedral.”

Antoine de Saint-Exupery (1900-1944);
French Author

If I had not known better, I would have thought I was in a department store warehouse. No, but this was a school gymnasium. There I stood with on April 11, 2014  witnessing many happy parents and their daughters saunter out of Hill House High School with stunning prom dresses and accessories only if they desired-at no cost! The beauty of this afternoon was seeing the apparent joy on everyone's face, not to overlook the fact that parents didn't have to spend exorbitant amounts on prom expenses. This was a win win event!  Find a prom dress, try it on if you wish, claim it and leave with a smile. The pressure of purchasing and acquiring a prom dress was no longer a factor! Thanks to the ingenuity of Ms. Khalilah Abdulrahim good things are occuring for many young people in Connecticut. She truly has a heart for New Haven's young people and assisting them in making their dreams happen. She realizes the importance of them achieving scholastic excellence in pursuit of brighter futures. She's birthed Project Hope, and endeavors to turn dreams into possibilities! In my estimation Khalilah's truly a super star! Learn about her amazing endeavors and her circle of supporters for good which has rippled throughout this community-"Say Yes To The Dress” what a novel idea!  Go right ahead Khalilah and move to the front of the class. http://articles.courant.com/2014-04-11/community/hcrs-87733-statewide-20140409_1_dresses-project-hope-hillhouse-high-school 

http://www.projecthopect.org/
I thank God for witnessing such a power packed day!

Transformed by the Love of God, Linda Mose Meadows; Blogger, Motivational Speaker and Inspirational Author of: Destined To Receive: Reflections and Devotionals Celebrating  The Love of God (Createspace, 2013) and Blessedness of Believing  A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises (Tate Publishing, 2007) 

 http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

 http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

 http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/   

CELEBRATING AN AUTHOR'S DREAM COMES TRUE!

Photo by Linda Mose Meadows @ Diva's Bookclub 2014

 I would have been without hope if I had not believed that I would see the loving-kindness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Psalm 27:13

This was an author's dream come true! Being the featured book of the month! So happy to be a part of the Divas Digest Bookclub in New Haven, Connecticut! Several weeks ago (April 2014) I had opportunity to share my literary and spiritual journey and engage in some wonderful, soul searching discussions. It was an honor to be the author for April's book selection, my devotional: The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey Of Life's Lesson and God's Promises by Linda Mose Meadows!

I truly feel overjoyed to say, "Thank you for the expressed enthusiasm Divas Digest! You blessed me tremendously! It was an honor!" Indeed I am a witness of the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Acquire your copy of The Blessedness of Believing  (Tate Publishing) and Destined To Receive (createspace) from the publishers and/or Amazon.com, on theworldwide web and never forget to request it at your public libraries! Have a blessed reading experience!

From My Heart To Yours:
Linda Mose Meadows,  Author of:
Destined to Receive, Reflections and Devotionals Celebrating The Love of God                         
and
The Blessedness of Believing (createSpace, March 2013)
A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises 
(Tate Publishing, Nov. 2007)
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/
http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/

HAPPY EASTER; LET'S CELEBRATE OUR RESURRECTED HOPE IN CHRIST JESUS!

"God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death,

because

it was not possible for him to be held by it."

Acts 2:24

Learn more about the significance of

Holy Week  from Father Ken Collins

~

Read a stirring devotional entitled:

I'm Moving

written by Rev. Richard. Meadows, Jr.

Watch Max Lucado's moving video:

He Chose The Nails

Victory Scriptures :

The Resurrection of Christ

From My Heart To Yours:
Linda Mose Meadows,  Author of:
Destined to Receive, Reflections and Devotionals Celebrating The Love of God                         
and
The Blessedness of Believing (createSpace, March 2013)
A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises
(Tate Publishing, Nov. 2007)
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/
http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/

READERS WILL AGREE, OUR HEARTBEATS ARE IN SYNC!

"Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don’t complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don’t bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality . Wake up and live! "Bob Marley

Friends, I encourage you to acquire this outstanding literature and include it in your personal libraries. Present it as a treasured gift, the recipient will be delighted. Keep it in arms distance you'll be glad you did! Heartbeats A Journey Through the Soul by Ronette D. Jacobs is indeed a marvelous present and I am confident that readers will concur that our heartbeats are in sync! We are not alone in navigating our way! It's a fact that on each of our journeys we are yearning, seeking and searching for our truths. In those truths we specifically thirst for the living, lively God that will never fail nor forsake us. The author of Heartbeats has birthed an earnest and real literary work that is well acquainted with her own and our humanity and indwelling divinity! Below is a 5 star book review that I've written. The cover of Heartbeats A Journey Through the Soul speaks volumes about this entreating, rich content. Follow your road!

Heartbeats: A Journey Through the Soul

Paperback

by Ronette Denise Jacobs (Author)

As Daryl Coley sang the lyrics Great is thy Faithfulness Lord Unto Me right there in my living room I realized that it was time for revisiting a sacred moment of thanksgiving during my morning devotion. The music softy beckoned and encouraged my soul to navigate the deeper things of life. My answer was to start with Heartbeats: A Journey Through the Soul! Heartbeats reminded me I am many things to many people but more accurately I too am a part of a beloved community of faithful believers. I realized that it was no coincidence that I would gaze upon Heartbeat’s amazing book cover and take a literary stroll with Heartbeats: A Journey Through the Soul by Ronette Denise Jacobs. Her poems caused me to look inward, "awaken" my spirit, embrace forgotten memories, reflect and appreciate her truthful and soulful deliberations. I saw my issues mirrored and surface in Ms. Jacobs poignant words. These soulful stirrings of Ms. Jacobs spoke profoundly about my own private hurdles and yes, many triumphs. I contend that the author beautifully captures our humanity in her transparent accounts, it’s as though she’s standing behind the reader nudging them to not be sidetracked by the familiar but instead to skip, jump, rest, sing, laugh, wrestle if they must. But more importantly never to abandon their momentum. The reader is encouraged to embrace their life's journey and honor the call. Thank you author, educator, innovator: Ronette Denise Jacobs for your literary jewel! We celebrate you and the gift of Heartbeats: A Journey of the Soul, I entreat you to publish more works, don’t stop what you’ have started, you are a voice in the wilderness! Thank you for your earnest accounts. We hear you, agree with you and await your next work! Thank goodness, thank God! Great is your faithfulness!

Transformed by the Love of God, Linda Mose Meadows; Blogger, Motivational Speaker and Inspirational Author of: Destined To Receive: Reflections and Devotionals Celebrating The Love of God (Createspace, 2013) and Blessedness of Believing  A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises (Tate Publishing, 2007) 

 http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

 http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

 http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/   

TIME TO LOOK UP! BUCKLE UP! IT’S 2014!

National Anthem, by Jonathan Gladding 

Ever have the phone ring and the person on the other end was the friend you were fondly thinking of?  This morning that was the case! We laughed, giggled and then concurred that our relocation to Connecticut was indeed a good thing. It was apparent that God had once again orchestrated it all. All being inclusive of our move from Florida, the East Coast ministry trek, the new friendships (never negating the cord connecting us to our tried and true friends), the laudable community partnerships, our abounding appreciation and enthusiasm for love, life and what seems like some fatal challenges. Literally it felt like doors were slammed in our face when I thought we’d instead be embraced. Too many days it felt like a bad dream. Good decisions seemed to have gone awry. Prayer has keeping power friends. When yours seem limp, other’s who know the virtue and power of prayer can certainly cover you!

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20

I am grateful for how God allowed us to exert energy in preparation for our next level. It was as though we were spiritually matriculating. My heart must have been yelling, “New level, new level! So glad it’s our turn Lord!” Oh it’s no denying that we better not take credit for a step up or a door open. We are not that clever in raining down blessings! None of our life's story could have been self imposed-crafted with our intellect or maneuvers.

We were approaching the 2013 Christmas season-Richard and I were traveling (several weeks ago) on the freeway. I was joyously anticipating visiting my Mama and Grandmother in Atlanta (really overdue for a visit). I knew I could not be there for Christmas but wanted to begin creating a festive atmosphere in their home. And then there was a hiccup, a startling interruption. The visible highway markers and signs indicated that Hartford’s Bradley Airport was just down the road, possibly 20 minutes away and I’d be boarding the plane momentarily.  And boom, a car wreck-a wreck that was startling! It caused us to fear, shutter, scream, and wonder if this was our end, dying on the interstate. The result totaled our minivan and the offender’s compact car.  The small Volkswagen merging in the lane we traveled was all wrong! I don’t know what the driver’s problem was but it was terrible timing! And then it all became surreal, a seemingly slow motion video. The cars colliding, the metal crumpling, the axles braking, the front end torn up, the shock, the disbelief and there we were in the midst! But, Great God the three coiled guard rails sustained the impact of our van! It seems we bounced against the sturdy coils and Richard’s hands held tight to the steering wheel. And the saving grace was the coils appeared to nestle the Volkswagen from diving into the ditch or back into the oncoming traffic. Oh it could have been fatal with the loss of life or injuries, but here we are on this side of a new year, January 2014 alive-well! No broken bones, no fatalities!

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 29:11 NIV

Yes, mayhem occurred and we survived it all! God kept us! What a miracle.

Often our lives reflect that we've been banged up, crippled even. Folks think you’re in a daze still suffering from shock. Oh, but our gracious Lord and Savior allows us to survive an atrocity, a humiliation, a setback causing us to feel as though we’re abandoned, standing on the side of the road. Be confident that divine  help is on the way, even if it’s unsuspecting.

Next time you’re on life’s highway think of the coiled guard rails, the helping hands, sound advice, friendly stranger, the answer to prayer as a safety net! Think of it as a safety net representing the Father, Son and Holy Ghost-protecting us, cushioning the blow during startling incidences. Notice I did not say ACCIDENT? Our Heavenly Father causes no accidents, but saves us on countless occasions. I know you recall His rescuing mission, you! Take a moment and just reflect on your 2013 journey, incredible right? We are now very familiar, well acquainted with the realization that God’s mighty outstretched arm protects us!  Thankfully He beautifully ushers us from one season into the next. The year 2013 brought about new developments, uncertainties, new transitions, new relationships, but definitely a firsthand account of His love! Can I get a witness?

Breathe, look up and live. Buckle up friends it’s time for thanksgiving adoration and without a doubt it's time to embrace a faith filled 2014! Happy New Year!

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,¹⁸ may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,” Ephesians 3:16-18 (NIV)

Transformed by the Love of God, Linda Mose Meadows; Blogger, Motivational Speaker and Inspirational Author of: Destined To Receive: Reflections and Devotionals Celebrating The Love of God (Createspace, 2013) and Blessedness of Believing  A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises (Tate Publishing, 2007) 

 http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

 http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

 http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/