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/

MEET YOU AT THE WELL: HAVING A HEART-TO-HEART WITH JESUS!

Change and Transformation by Father Earnest Graham

Jesus Talks With a Samaritan Woman

¹³ Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, ¹⁴ but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

¹⁵ The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.”

John 4: 13,14

Reference Scripture: John 4:1-26 (New International Version, ©2011)

All of our lives we’ve heard words, words that have molded, shaped, prompted and prodded us to either to be at a standstill or words that literally gave us wings to soar. Not long ago I received an amazing gift from Ann Meyer, I think of it as a welcome gift to St. Martin’s Administrative Team. This gift was an unexpected literary treasure entitled Guerrillas of Grace-Prayers for the Battle by Ted Loder (see inside front cover).

Listen to Me Under My Words

O God, I come to you now

Asa child to my Mother,

Out of the cold which numbs into the warm who cares.

Listen to me inside,

Under my words

Where the shivering is,

In the fears

Which freeze my living,

In the angers

Which chafe my attending,

In the doubts

Which chill my hoping,

In the events

Which shrivel my thanking,

In the pretenses

Which stiffen my loving.

Listen to me, Lord

As a Mother

And hold me warm,

And forgive me.

Soften my experiences

Into wisdom,

My pride

Into acceptance,

My longing

Into trust,

And soften me

Into love

And to others

And to you

Maybe it was the Holy Spirit, maybe it was just a woman of God that sensed I would benefit tremendously from an inspirational book, or just possibly it was our preceding conversation about the office atmosphere that lovingly erects ministry and insulates joy, peace and caring! I don’t know, but I do know that when I read, I began to include this gift of prayers as part of my work day devotional, the words of the prayers scaled my heart matters and reminded me of how sacred my relationship is with God. It’s not taken lightly. So I easily connected with the prayer Listen to Me Under My Words. And really appreciate how God helped make the prayer so relevant to John 4.

So as I read John 4: 1-26 I appreciated the Samaritan woman’s frank and direct conversation had with Jesus. She attempted to earnestly converse. What really seemed apparent for me was that while she spoke, there were deeper issues- layers of words under her words which revealed her disappointment, her outlook, and ultimately her humility. Her sarcasm and loneliness were no stumbling block for Jesus’s replies. Her quizzical nature couldn’t stump or thwart the reality that what Jesus desired for her far outweighed her reality! She had stumbled upon a moment in time that changed her and many generations later to come! She visited the well at a strategic time that God had divinely orchestrated. Jesus’ words of life would become a wellspring to be reinvigorated, renewed and experience transformed natural and spiritual living! Let’s make our way with haste to that well! Don’t you want to go?

Published in Lent Devotional (The Journey to Surrender) 2011 Lenten @ St. Martin's Episcopal Church

Listen to Ce Ce Winans sing: I Surrender ALL and let the music minister to your spirit and renew your outlook!

Revived & Overjoyed!
Linda Mose Meadows, Urban Views Weekly 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 SHALL LIVE

Chaos and Order 5 by Earnest Graham

Mark 9:1
And he said to them,

"I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste

death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."

Today's devotional written by Rev. Richard D. Meadows, Jr was like the hush that fills the sanctuary after the Holy Ghost has spoken! I am so glad to be able to share this message!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You Shall Live…

This is a good morning to begin to live, like you have always
wanted. That is what I have decreed in my heart. “That Today I Shall Live…”
Living can be difficult especially if everything is not copasetic. You remember
the word copasetic, the winos’ used to use it. “Brother every thing is
copasetic” they would say. Well, Lord, everything is not so wonderful and it is
difficult to live through the mess of life.

I love the words of Jesus after he moves so powerfully in
the prior chapters of Mark; he now takes time to let the disciples know that
there is relief from the horrors of this messy life. This life that causes us to
beg the question; is this all really worth it? Well the Kingdom has come and we
do have our hands to the plow and we will not look back. If you do look at the
stuff, chances are you will die. Look forward toward life and the words Jesus
said, “you will not taste death.” Translate that into, Life is just not going to
be that bad, that you have to die while trying to live. Live today my loves, if
for no other reason than you will not taste death. You shall live and live in
power you shall. Feel it? The power! O come on, you know you do.

Written by Richard D. Meadows, Jr.

So Glad to Share:

Linda Mose Meadows,

Urban Views Columnist and Inspirational Author of:

The Blessedness of Believing

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

(Tate Publishing, Nov. 2007).

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com//

APPRECIATING YOUR SIMPLE ABUNDANCE

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

I've commanded you to be strong and brave.

Don't ever be afraid or discouraged !

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

Joshua 1:9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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





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





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





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





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





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

• Dishes-what love are your serving up today?





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





• Music- what melody is playing in your heart?





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





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





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





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

REMEMBER! IT'S PRAYERS THAT:

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

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

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

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

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

From My Heart To Yours,

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

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

LAUGHTER IS THE SUN....

“Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.”
—Victor Hugo (1802-1885); poet, novelist, playwright
Foundation for a Better Life Quote of the Day March 16, 2009

I awoke early this morning to find that my husband was diligently writing his devotional: I Was Made for the Entire World to See . After reading it I felt like he had read my heart mail, my mind and sifted through my unspoken concerns. The words and sentiment he expressed was all mine. The Holy Ghost was right on target this morning. As I remained in bed, my prayers began to lift and then I recalled last night‘s dream of trying to convince my mother and grandmother to live with me instead of remaining “home.”

My plea was, "See it’s much too much snow and others had moved away, why not join them?" It’s really my heart’s desire that that occur along with several other family matters that are pressing me. It makes my heart anxious and my spirit down when I dwell on this. And then I remembered this wonderfully funny cartoon that Renita emailed. And sure enough the Better Life Foundation’s inspirational e-message stated that:

“Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.”
—Victor Hugo (1802-1885); poet, novelist, playwright

It’s apparent that God is encouraging me to include laughter in my life! Could this also be your case? My spirit is wondering: “At this moment Lord?” "Laughter!" Friends, He’s spoken, “Yes right this minute!”

I believe God desires that we not only make a joyful noise, but have a content spirit and merry heart as He works things out on our behalf! Just for fun I searched laughter on blueletterbible.com and several scriptures were referenced:

Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning

and your joy to gloom.

James 4:9

Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them."

Psalm 126:2


He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.

Job 8:21

So, my friends I beleive that the lesson for today is: even in the midst of trials, testing’s, adversity, hardships, difficulties and misfortunes and uncertainties laughter is in order. Take a real good look; why it’s holding hands with joy! Yes; let the entire world see God’s glory in your laughter and in your heart just trust that the sun/SON (Christ Jesus) is shining on all that concerns you!



Written from my heart to yours!!
Linda Mose Meadows, Author
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises
http://www.blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

TODAY'S PROMISE FROM THE BIBILE ~ JOHN 16:27

Today's Promise from the Bible

John 16:27

For the Father himself loveth you,

because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.

REFLECTION

If you place your love and faith in the person and work of Christ Jesus, you are guaranteed the love of His Father. God does not turn away those who seek His Son. Rather, He will be faithful to reward every lover of His Son with life eternal and every spiritual blessing! Hallelujah!

Friends daily you can receive these wonderful promises clearly directed for our wellbeing , visit blueletterbible.com and sign up for these edifying messages and bask in God's glow as you confidently reflect on His word! http://promises.blueletterbible.org/

Joyfully Sharing,
Linda Mose Meadows, Author
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/