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/

EGO TRIPPING- DECLARE TO THE WORLD, " I AM FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE!"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikki_Giovanni

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Psalm 139:13,14 (New International Version - UK)

Happy Friday my friends! For many of us it’s a day to slow our pace, smell the roses, breathe and acknowledge that it’s a TGIF (Thank God’s It’s Friday) moment. We’ve been through many emotional roller coasters-but we made it. I wanted to just share something inspirational to help you jumpstart your weekend. Think of this as a work reprieve.

Yes, I am sure your agree respite is in order, but it’s appropriate, I believe to first acknowledge God for his sweet grace and mercy! He has seen us through another week! As we prepare to enter into a more relaxed mode I wanted to provide you with some inspirational jazz music from a festival; but I really didn’t locate what I had desired, so I thought instead; I’ll let you select your own favorite artists but delight you with one of my favorite poetess.

Yes, she’s the incomparable, the magnanimous, the genius, the marvelous, the wonderful Nikki Giovanni. This seasoned, sanctified poet will delight your senses and lift your spirits. You’ll really celebrate her creativity and brilliance of conveying who’s you are and to whom you belong! In our spirits friend we can confidentlyego trip (the holy scripture gives us divine license) to comfortably declare to the world:

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Psalm 139: 13,14 (New International Version - UK)

Take a moment to enjoy this you tube video of Nikki’s poem: Ego Tripping and thank the person who wonderfully selected images that reflect Nikki’s expressions. And for those that aren’t familiar with “bad” in the vernacular it means awesome. Keep ego "tripping ya'll" God is well aware of our praise and thanksgiving!

EGO TRIPPING BY NIKKI GIOVANI

Ego Tripping by Nikki Giovanni (1973)

I was born in the Congo.

I walked to the Fertile Crescent and built the sphinx.
I designed a pyramid so tough that a star
that only glows every one hundred years falls
into the center giving divine perfect light.
I am bad.
I sat on the throne
drinking nectar with Allah.
I got hot and sent an ice age to Europe
to cool my thirst.
My oldest daughter is Nefertiti.
The tears from my birth pains
created the Nile.
I am a beautiful woman.
I gazed on the forest and burned
out the Sahara desert.
With a packet of goat's meat
and a change of clothes,
I crossed it in two hours.
I am a gazelle so swift,
so swift you can't catch me.
For a birthday present when he was three,
I gave my son Hannibal an elephant.
He gave me Rome for mother's day.
My strength flows ever on.
My son Noah built an ark and
I stood proudly at the helm
as we sailed on a soft summer day.
I turned myself into myself and was Jesus.
Men intone my loving name.
All praises all praises,
I am the one who would save.
I sowed diamonds in my back yard.
My bowels deliver uranium.
The filings from my fingernails are
semi-precious jewels.
On a trip north,
I caught a cold and blew
my nose giving oil to the Arab world.
I am so hip even my errors are correct.
I sailed west to reach east and had to round off
the earth as I went.
The hair from my head thinned and gold was laid
across three continents.
I am so perfect so divine so ethereal so surreal.
I cannot be comprehended except by my permission.
I mean...I...can fly
like a bird in the sky...
http://www.geocities.com/wenjin92014/poem/giovanni.htm

Other blog writings about Nikki Giovani

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/2008/07/celebrating-blessed-and-breaking.html

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, Nov. 2007)

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

THE WORD IS LOVE

THE WORD IS LOVE!

“One word frees us of all
the weight and pain in life.
That word is Love.”
—Sophocles (496 BCE-406 BCE); ancient Greek tragedian

This is the season of love, the eve of Valentine’s Day, the lovely red hearts, the wonderful variety of milk, white and dark chocolate confections, hard candies with the words etched I love you and beautifully crafted greeting cards. This merchandise is flying off the shelves. It’s a buying frenzy for many. I have the flu or I’d be at the cash register too! We want to convey LOVE in words, song, tasty treats and lavish meals, and bouquets of discounted roses.

But for a moment let’s not only talk about love but a kiss! What made me think about the kiss, just possibly the Holy Spirit wanted to share and discuss that the kiss is underrated and not generally spoken about on Valentine’s Day. I suppose Madison Avenue continues to perfect the marketing of a kiss with ads displaying perfumes and lotions but it’s really nothing that we can purchase. It’s priceless!

It’s really an expression of love. It’s intimate, truly personal; it can be holy, and sacred. The power of a single kiss can ignite passion, exhilarate your spirit, and/or remove the sting from life’s injuries, scrapes, falls and setbacks. Yes it can make our heart flutter, but a kiss can be a soothing balm. Just think about all the scrapes and bruises you incurred growing up? Or that you currently patch up now? These insults, afflictions which cause us to sometimes bellow, shriek, holler, scream and cry when followed with a light kiss to the forehead or cheek are healing! It seems to immediately make the injury not so awful.

I believe that a simple kiss, an embrace relieves and helps cushion us from future falls. I think about women with the issue of blood, looking for relief, solace from her daily plight, surely she must have been void of any displays of affection. A kiss was out of the question. Probably she felt like and was treated as dirty and an outcast. At what point it jumped into her spirit to move beyond her circumstance, I don’t know. But we are sure God planted that inclination in her and she reached out for help. And remember it wasn’t in vain.

I believe that’s what God desires us to do in our predicament(s), and that’s reach out for relief! She stretched out her hands, assured in her heart that relief would come. Something would give way! No Jesus didn’t kiss her but the words he spoke, [“Woman your faith has healed you.” ]was the symbolic kiss of life needed for her restoration! Her journey had just begun. Many had written her off, but her faith, her tenacity-her persistence, made her stretch out and trust that surely what lay ahead had to be better than the current state of affairs she found herself in. She loved herself enough to be sick and tired of being sick and tired. She sought relief /healing/ restoration and God reciprocated with compassion! Her answer was in the reach-the search!

Love in action (for ourselves), is often not easy, it may require us to break out of the norm, adopt a new habit and not be creatures of habit. It begins within the walls of our own hearts, and then spreads abroad in our homes, and offices. Kissing ourselves with affirmation by being kinder, not only to others but with our selves can take some work. We first must acknowledge that we are worthy! Then this mindset will spill over into our lives so sweetly. How will you do that? Think, act and grow? I am not sure, but ask God for guidance. In the meantime stand in front of the mirror, blow yourself a kiss and remember that God foreknew you, wonderfully created you and does have a plan earmarked with your name on it. Read aloud Psalm 139:13-16 and reflect on essence of that thought!

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.

When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.

All the days ordained for me were written in your book

before one of them came to be
Psalm 139:13-16

(New International Version - UK)

God has kissed our very souls with scripture to edify and enlighten us. Friends he desires that we have a heart to confidently apply those truths. He’s comforted and kept us through his resurrected son, Jesus Christ! We are empowered to become whole! Ask yourself the difficult questions:

· In what areas of your spiritual and physical life are you not adequately demonstrating love of yourselves first?

· Where is character and life improvement warranted?

· Where can help be found and whom can I trust?

Start with prayer and don’t leave Jesus out of the equation. Maybe it has everything to do with our experiences and expectations. Carve out some intimate space where you can pray, talk to God, cry out your concerns, read scripture regarding your true identity in peace and quite. Anticipate a breakthrough and an outpouring of Jehova's love! God can provide the supernatural elixir and resources for our struggles with affection, empathy, sympathy, kindness, humility, caring, compassion, and forgiveness which I am confident are the “divine kisses” needed to lift our hearts and push us further on down the road?

As you are nurtured back to life, blow a kiss to yourself and others with some kind words, a sweet “I apologize!” to heal an offended heart, a “Here let me help you!” makes the task so much more pleasant. A “Yes I am listening,” surely conveys I care and love you. It’s sweet talk to the heart and soul. Yes indeed it’s a kiss of real love! Stretch out, stretch forth my friends-the word is LOVE!

Happy Valentine’s Day friends!

You Tube~Thank You Part I "Phenomenal song sung by the amazingly anointed Charisse D. Nelson. Written and composed by Richard Smallwood for his album Adoration"

Submittted by:

Linda Mose Meadows, Author

The Blessedness of Believing

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

http://www.blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/