YOU'VE GOT TO FOLLOW YOUR ROAD!

Photos by Linda Mose Meadows

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.

 My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him Psalm 28:7

I haven't seen this commercial recently, but it was one of my favorites. I am guessing you may remember it also? Here's the scene (of course I’m taking creative liberties): dusty cowboys are gathered around a campfire, we imagine them settling in for the evening. It’s a lone, quiet atmosphere, an ebony blanketed starry lit sky which envelopes them is complete with loud crickets. 

This scene is the backdrop for the "grubbing" cowboys hungrily eating their meal. For a split second the television viewer is given space to imagine many things.  First what in the world are they eating? Is it really that good?  Many agree with Van De Camp and me, that it is just that tastey? Yummy baked bean by the fire. But there's more to the message.

Where have they been? Where are they headed-just what is their destination? And why are they so tired? Then one cowboy says in a matter-of-fact tone to the others, that the one who's responded to his comment about the delicious bake beans is from New York “Yurk” City!  His words place great emphasis on the sound of "ORK" and "ITY" in an exaggerated twang!  Hearing this always caused me to laugh out loud! The over-the-top diction was clever on the part the ad agency. I surmise that by then they had our ears and our purses. We now associate their product with a destination and recall that the outrageous enunciation of New York City. I suspect this humorous method worked. But on the flip side there were other messages I suspect. It was surprising to witness the apparent discomfort that these rugged trailblazers were having with learning about a distant land. A place they had yet to venture. They had noticeable trepidation. Why of course it’s unfamiliar territory. The cowboy’s seemed to be in shock and awe. Seemingly their experiences and bravado belied their truth. These trailblazing gun totting cowboys possibly being timid seemed strange? "Umph, ain't that a contradiction?" (I could hear you saying that!)  Yes, my friends even for rough, tough people unknown places can be frightening, no matter the proximity! It's the bigger than life fact of the unknown. In defense of these cowboys and often being timid regarding the unknown- they had no frame of reference. They simply knew New York City was far from their familiar prairies. Awe, but there was one who dared to venture out. Thank God for the courageous heart! For those that step out on faith and score! This unknown cowboy's tenacity to venture out  makes me think of the countless scriptures that assure us that God hasn't given us the spirit of fear, but a spirit of  power/courage, love and a sound mind/clear thinking! (2 Timothy 1:7) It's evident that when we are with God we are safe-complete.

The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, 

and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. Psalm 28:7

It blesses our spirits when we realize that often like the timid and the free spirited cowboy our authentic spirits yearn to move beyond the familiar frontier borders and when we do often it's rewarding! Our horizons are expanded and life lessons occur that richly bless us.  As Pauline Wilson aptly penned in her lyrics, "you've got to follow your road, follow your road..."

Well let's fast forward to our recent drive from Florida to Connecticut one mile at a time, crossing one state border after another. Our rocking-over packed vehicle was filled to the interior roof with essentials for starting anew. (At least until the moving van arrived.) Onlookers must have wondered where are they headed?  Well the journey wasn't for the faint at heart! Surely we were capturing and living out our spiritual urban cowboy and cowgirl experience.  Truly it’s been a long awaited sojourn. This again is a heartfelt journey that we’d never before traveled, but earnestly longed for.We were reminded in prayer to shake the dust off our feet and push fear aside. Scripture has assured us that God had gone before us and made room for our arrival. We’re anticipating ministry in places and spaces we’d never seen; excited about seeing more of God-realizing His plan over our lives and others. Like our ancestors and many others we desire witnessing again the Holy Spirit first hand. The 2 day drive was long and packing was labor intensive! But so much and many awaited us! God rubbed stamped the journey-it was confirmed through the many expressions of kindness experienced before and during our destination!

It was comical but true, almost at our destination's end; finally seeing the New York City and Connecticut highway traffic signs, and then being in a traffic jam. Yep, for 90 minutes not being able to move. (Imagine instead of an hours delay, suffering through years of being at a standstill? You are ready to move forward and can't!) The traffic was nothing like I imagined for a Sunday afternoon! Instead traffic halted before moving toward the George Washington Bridge. It didn't matter if drivers selected the upper level or lower level, all roads converged towards the toll booths! (Pay up!) Mind you this was the route we believed was necessary to reach our destination. There we were seeing our destination in view and stuck! What to do? The answer was to simply wait! Wait our turn and proceed when an opening occurred. It was just that simple!  Friends, we are headed somewhere like the brave cowboy! And so are you! So as you embrace your call and are sailing, driving, galloping, trotting, trekking, moving steadily and facing an occasional interruption in plans-be encouraged by God's leading and Pauline Wilson’s Follow Your Road. 

However, as it is written: "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard,

 and what no human mind has conceived" 

-- the things God has prepared for those who love him—

1 Corinthians 2:9

Shared in Love, 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/

GOING HOME: A JOYFUL TRANSITION

Returning to hometown Buffalo to pack

However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"

-- 1 Corinthians 2:9

Leaving Atlanta for Florida

April 2012 has been a rewarding month both literally and spiritually. As I glimpsed at my facebook timeline I was able to visually chronicle some highlights, but knew that that which I virtually shared was only the tip of the iceberg. There had been some amazing aha moments and I praise God for the abundance of blessings that I was able to witness and receive with our loved ones. You may wonder what does that really mean? Well, I’ll share that further in detail, just know that in my spirit I am saying, "Look what the Lord has done." The happening included an all too quick visit with several wonderful friends, treasured time spent with my Aunt Shirley and cousin, Zebbie in Buffalo; traveling on the road back to Georgia with Eric and then spending extended time with my Mother and Granny resulted from a simple phone call from my brother Eric who asked, "Lin what are you doing this weekend?" He'd just received the news that we had the upcoming weekend to pack up St. Mary's Place because the closing and sale of our home would occur on the upcoming Monday. Time was of the essence.

That weekend I hopped a plane from Central Florida back to our beloved hometown Buffalo, New York to bring closure to the sale of our home, my mother’s property and our child’s home place. This moment was much more than just transferring keys and packing some boxes- it was home and a floodgate of life lessons,memories that continue to shape us. But I had to remain focus, Eric insisted.  We were on a mission to pack and purge, so we told ourselves. This mission included and insured that the new tenants would be benefactors of  Mom’s home furnishings and appliances.God's outstretched hands and blessings were at it again. We were instructed to not overlook returning with our Mother's books, family keepsakes and retrieving important paperwork because the time had finally come to sell. The items we decided to leave the new owners offered to send to her country abroad. "Others can use them." Her statement was was an instant relief!

Basement-packing and purging!

Having an awesome visit with Aunt Shirley and Zebby!

My heart wasn't so heavy then. As I began to sift through articles of clothing and rediscover with Eric mountains of papers, elementary school report cards (Mom's included), scrap books, toys, loved one's obituaries, funeral bulletins, greeting cards, significant artifacts and wonderful family photos I began reminiscing about so many things and  immediately knew the most import treasures were our relationships we built and the significance of these heart conncections. It then wasn't such an emotional tussle to part with things, discard and/or share them. But the real jewel was never having to give up family, friends-our wonderful loved ones, no matter the distance and time lasp between us!

Beloved Friends...

They are fondly held in my heart. I'll not forget to anticipate the sweet reunions that we can look forward to. And knowing us we'll laugh and giggle out loud as we acknowledge the sustaining love and comfort of God that continually anchors us! It will be a thanksgiving- a celebratory moment to marvel at the victories won that got us from this time to that.

So now here I am friends back in Florida sitting at my kitchen table, writing, smiling, reflecting-assured and prayerful that Mama (and our family) are feeling better about this transition. In my spirit we are tremendously greatful to have evidenced God's mercies,witness His blessings and to be a blessing to others as we embark upon a new journey, a new timetable. It's indeed another new beginning and transition that reunited and reconnected us with all that really matters in the name of love.

Thanks be to God it's your time to move friends!

Truly missing them all! 

blessing the boats    

by Lucille Clifton 

(at St. Mary's)

may the tide

that is entering even now

the lip of our understanding

carry you out

beyond the face of fear

may you kiss

the wind then turn from it

certain that it will

love your back    may you

open your eyes to water

water waving forever

and may you in your innocence

sail through this to that

Peace and Blessings,
Linda Mose Meadows:
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/
http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/ and the author of:
The Blessedness of Believing: A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises

Success At The Foul Line

Young man of Great Character!
Amazing, Allen Geui!

Often when I read something regarding scripture and history, I realize how much I’ve yet to learn! Good thing I am generally eager and hungry to learn more! I love interesting facts and am especially appreciative of those folks that love spouting little known facts and entertain us with those by the way conversations. The moment that revelation hits, I envision my brain being like computer circuit board or better yet a tiny bud restored with the droplets of a new found, refreshing shower of rain! It’s time to contemplate new information, new thinking, brand spanking new information. I am sure that there’s a fascinating reaction occurring, growth and nourishment are partnering for new found sustenance. That’s what I imagine folks! And so when I read this commentary regarding Luke 6:38 my spirit was marveling in an Ah ha moment!

Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Good measure - They shall give you good measure,
or “full” measure.
Pressed down - As figs or grapes might be, and thus many
more might be put into the measure.
Shaken together - To make it more
compact, and thus to give more.
Running over - So full that the measure
would overflow.
Shall men give - This is said to be the reward of “giving”
to the poor and needy; and the meaning is that the man who is liberal will find
others liberal to him in dealing with them, and when he is also in circumstances
of want. A man who is himself kind to the poor – who has that “character”
established – will find many who are ready to help “him” abundantly when he is
in want…
Into your bosom - That is, to you. The word “bosom” here has
reference to a custom among Oriental nations of making the bosom or front part
of their garments large, so that articles could be carried in them, answering
the purpose of our pockets. Compare Exodus 4:6-7; Proverbs 6:27; Ruth 3:15.
Reference re: << Luke 6:38 >> Barnes’ Notes on
the Bible- Biblos , http://bible.cc/luke/6-38.htm

This scripture and the commentary are connecting beautifully with one of the kindest gestures I know and that is to share. So there we have it, in our bosoms, our pockets, purses we can give and receive. Give what? Carry what? Provide what you ask? Let me start by sharing an observation and asking you this question first? Can you imagine forking over 40k? Yes, no not 40 dollars or 40 cents! But, giving $40,000? In this day and time with economic hardship lounging in our family rooms, kicked back wearing our beloved overrun slippers! True we may not have that kind of money at our disposal but don’t let giving hinder that. Well many folks do it daily and don’t blink. It’s a known fact, that there are givers who enjoy doing so and are always encouraging others to jump on the band wagon. Collectively they galvanize their friends, create streams of giving, stroke checks or jump start foundations and off they go.Can you imagine in your best life having enough to share, no fanfare, just giving because it feels like the right thing to do? We are hard pressed on many days agonizing on how we’ll pay our electric bills and soaring cell phone bills. But whether we are clutching our purses or squeezing our hands tight change does happen. Just possibly not on our clocks. So if we embrace that philosophy we can give out of our need. What does the scripture encourage us to do:

“Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure–

pressed down, shaken together and running over. For by your standard of measure

it will be measured to you in return.”

Luke 6:38

You’ve heard spread the wealth and pass the potatoes. Ok I am being silly, but I believe that the importance of giving forward initiates that act. It becomes natural and like a domino effect.


Thank you Lord for one of the finest examples I recently learned of by way of the Compton Basketball star Allen Geui who dazzled his team mates, onlookers and others during a foul shooting contest that was designed to spark community support and provide college scholarships.


The contest’s creator’s intention was created to simply shine a positive light on Compton’s High School and dispel the negativity felt regarding Compton’s youth and culture! Google his name and this link: http://highschool.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1237085 to learn about his star basketball shot! This young man will cause you to appreciate all the more the concept of carrying plenty in your bosom and not withholding generosity to impact the lives of others for the good! So here we have it Allen Geui at the foul line, about to make a historic shot and change the complexion and dimension of true grit and character! He’s my designated poster person for CHARACTER!


Swish and there it is, no ordinary shot, no average basketball player! The successful basket is electrifying- the crowd is cheering, the arena is erupting, the media is buzzing, camera’s flashing, college recruiter’s high fiving and the relatives beaming and friends shouting with pride! Let’s not omit the oversized reward check earmarked for the winner! It was well earned and Allen Geui’s for the taking. ( No haters need apply!) But the moment doesn’t conclude there! It wasn’t just about singing all the way to the bank. Instead of coveting this moment- the realization must have been birthed in his spirit to embrace another possibility! Out of his boom moment, his resolve, flowed a wealth of opportunities to carve out a new path and stamp his signature on a new letterhead.

In a single moment and with a remarkable decision, the flood gates erupted and I am convinced heaven was applauding! I am not sure who ignited the compassion and heart for giving in Allen Geui; I am not sure if he fully contemplated the significance of his amazing generosity. But the evidence of it was clear with his insight to give, give what many of his classmates needed which was more than lip service about partnerships and team camaraderie; it was cash to attend their selected colleges!

Months after Geui collected his college scholarship winnings of $40,000, he wowed the contestants, several of which where his team mates by providing them with his total winnings.


Who does that! Oh my Lord doesn’t that just send chills down your spine? He realized that his teammates desired to also attend college and many of them hadn’t received scholarships and were in need of the funds. No dollars, no college! He changed that! Talking about giving it forward - and men shall give unto your bosom. This occurrence is indeed awe inspiring, it smacks of the biblical era of pouring into the pouch, the bosom of another and the recipient receiving the king’s reward, an overflow of the bounty! What an outstanding gift, both tangible and intangible. Allen’s giving will have a ripple effect for generations of Compton students to come! And I pray the world!

This young man has already received a college scholarship and I would not be surprised if this is just the tip of the iceberg for him. As the sower he’ll continue to reap a reward of magnitude proportions. His giving swells and spills over and touches countless others too many to know and too important to fathom. Just the act of standing at the foul line and including other contestants shouts winner! Let’s rally around this team captain! So the question remains, give what you ask? I say very easily- give your time, talent and certainly a few dollars to the almighty cause wouldn’t hurt! Just ask Allen he’s a young man with character and lots of ingenuity!

Prayer

Thank you Lord for the game changers in our lives that see beyond themselves reach into their pouches and encourage us by their acts of giving to strive, live, to dream and to never ever abandon hope for our best days are in front of us! Often they give what we have no means of. Thank you Lord that they felt the tug on their hearts, provided the essential resources for our good! Remind us Lord to follow your lead and will, when it’s our turn to step forward to the foul line and make life changing baskets. We endeavor to begin living with greater hearts, integrity and intentions of giving forward. Thank you Lord for your marvelous love and your word that reminds us that: However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” – 1 Corinthians 2:9

We give all honor and glory to you and in your son Christ Jesus’ Name! Amen!



Sharing With Great Joy,

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/