ICY CONDITIONS MAY EXIST!

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8,9

"Flash freeze", ever heard that phrase? I hadn't but I am well acquainted now!  Just yesterday I experienced the scariest fall ever. Right there in front of our own front door Mother Nature had created an undisguised ice rink. Saturday I hadn't been privy to that evening's weather forecast of the impending, fierce icy conditions, day long rain, chilly air, plummeting temps and terrible driving conditions. But thank God when my tumbling ensued I was layered and dressed for wintry weather just naive regarding the hazardous conditions. Off we were to Sunday Worship--I pushed my way happily out the door knowing that my family was following suit. Literally It felt as though I was bouncing happily, anticipating the day. And as soon as I stepped out the door, no further than the landing, my balance was immediately off. Ever been there, startled and (you fill in the blank)?  It felt weird, strange not to be steady on a foundation that was familiar, level, concrete. Mentally I am still trying to collect my thoughts about the awkwardness of it all and how my sure steps were compromised. I recall that it was all happening so quickly, my tumbling down, slip sliding, grasping for security, grabbing at air-gasping in horror, legs tangled, gliding down one step at a time, all uncontrollable. This moment felt shocking, humiliating, publicly becoming disheveled and finally managing to get up! Instinctively I uttered, "I'm alright!"  Was I really?

And so a day later I am resting, recouping and achy but relieved! As I scroll through Facebook marveling at my friends entries, appreciating amazing art, gazing at photos of beautiful culinary treats, shaking my head at the outrageous public antics and then I see  it-pause to read Philippians 4:8, and understand that's God's words are my divine safety net in the midst of all the Facebook entries! It was like a"flash freeze" moment! And for a split second I knew those words were for me, for me not focus on the fall,and who may or may not have witnessed its impact, but instead to celebrate my getting up-rebounding and shaking off all the hazardous "what ifs" when icy conditions may exist!

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

The fact is that my body is sore from the fall but thankfully the impact of yesterday's fall only left me mildly shaken, nothing extreme, nothing deadly! Friends truly I appreciate God cushioning my fall and allowing me to be transparent. I tried to brace myself, grab hold of the metal railing with no success and hindsight says, that was indeed fortunate. No concussion, missing teeth, broken limbs and busted lips. i survived I bet my fall was minor in comparison to what you've survived!  We do know about some rough patches don't we!

Life's moments can beat you down and tear you up! They may leave you "jacked-up"!  But thank God It's only temporary!  The odds are with us that we will experience some unforeseen mishaps, collisions and/or occurrences but I choose to believe that God will reveal his goodness even when it hurts! He does care for you, Think about how it was evident during what seemed like a most unlikely time in your life! This too is another trans formative season. If you have't experienced it-- just you wait and see!

Oh but you will bounce back and the scars may or may not be visible. But your resilient spirit will assure you that your faith in God has strengthened you! And the bottom line is we'll know and the NaySayers will have to also admit God is a keeper.And in the meantime while you are moving through life re-energized and possibly wobbling read Philippians 4:4

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.And the God of peace will be with you."

Friends go on and trust Jesus, there is no need be overly preoccupied about the icy conditions, the Lord is faithful!

Shared with a Transparent Heart,
Linda Mose Meadows, Author of the devotionals:
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises;
Destined to Receive, Reflections and Devotionals Celebrating The Love of God
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
https://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

THINK WHATEVER YOU WISH!

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Philippians 4:8

My parting words to my friend, Chappelle were “Keep your head up master sculptor! I love you!” The words master sculptor must have resonated in Chappelle’s spirit-I could feel the beams of his smile radiate through the cell phone. Surely this remark must have touched my friends’ heart, I meant what I said.

That morning’s mission was to walk and purchase some additional hand soap. My dear friend phoned while I was perusing the isles of Dollar General for liquid soaps only (that’s what I told myself), but curiosity pulled me towards the house wares and whatever else caught my eye. When the cell phone rang I was glad that in this instance I remembered my one purchase pledge and answered the call. It was spontaneous, as soon as we heard each others voice joyous laughter ensued. We were having such a great time conversing I was oblivious to the other meandering customers. Their stares were my barometer for toning the laughter way down. I realized that I was having too much fun and speaking much too loudly for public surroundings, but I couldn’t resist. We began to talk and chuckle about many things. Laughter really erupted when he shared that his house seemed to be in worse shape after a certain cleaning crew arrived. Their house cleaning escapades were futile and down right comical! As the saying goes, “Busted!” Chappelle knew their antics and hated reporting them, but oh well they were wrong for guising laziness as productivity. They tried to convince Chappelle otherwise. We laughed about these charades and concurred that his not having sight didn’t negate his intuitive nature and skills for divulging the truth.

But I suspect that the real objective of this conversation was to remind my friend that he is an accomplished artisan and more importantly that he is fearfully and wonderfully made. These revelatory words needed to fall on my own ears and transform my thinking. The Holy Spirit obviously wanted us to connect. It was a refreshing reminder about how the Lord has fashioned us. Chatting on the cell phone-just enjoying the movement of walking and noticing the Christmas merchandise displayed much too soon, Chappelle said to me that this was a day for strolling and not falling for any foolishness. He hit the nail on the head. In my spirit I wanted to take my time and not be anxious and that’s just what I intended on doing-strolling outdoors first, through the shopping center complex, then down the store isles, and back home from my morning walk.


As I walked down the main thoroughfare it was also my intention to pay attention to my surroundings, to be appreciative of the moment and not hastily move. So initially I ventured up the street noticing what I believed was the frantic motorist’s intent on driving over top the other. It was comical, but sad how these hurried motorists deliberately were tailgating, almost rear ending and colliding. Continuing my walk I observed my neighbor’s overgrown and manicured landscapes with varying shades of green, and marveled at the variety of snaking flower vines that crept up the trees and hung heavily with the tree branches. There was no shortage of lush plant life. The scenery truly was beautiful! How I wished I had had my camera.


The sun shown brightly but didn’t scorch me and for that I was extremely pleased. It felt good to be free. It was indeed a nature day spa experience. It was rejuvenating, my soul’s muscles were flexing! I was able to breathe, stroll and witness nature’s glory! Oh how sweet it was my friends to be given the opportunity to applaud my surroundings and not be rude, rushed, mentally immobile, burdened down, pulled and consumed with worries!


I realize that now it’s our choice on how we choose to seize our moments, but it ain’t easy. Yes, I meant ain’t! Feeling encouraged? I suspect there’s a heightened realization and we are more confident-hopeful, because our thinking and personal direction aren’t isolated regarding our capabilities. The more I’ve been able to actively carve out time to read God’s word, pray, focus and devote myself to staying connected to the tree of life- partaking in devotional enrichment, the slower my exhausting pace is and the more I appreciate my connection to our loving Savior Jesus Christ. I trust that you’ve found this to be accurate also?


As Chappelle fittingly stated, “Linda, it’s a day for strolling!”


Had Chappelle and I continued our conversation I would have enthusiastically encouraged him to stroll on to the library or venture on to his favorite bookstore and acquire this book on tape or in Braille: The Three Battlegrounds (An In-depth view of the three arenas of spiritual warfare, the mind, the church and heavenly places) by Francis Frangipane. I know, that I know that it was no coincidence that I’d rediscover a book that seemed to float from my inspirational shelf to my kitchen table and finally land on my “good intention” reading pile-grabbing my attention. This book has broadened my understanding of strongholds. Just like Chappelle’s former house cleaners the enemy intends to dupe us regarding God’s intended plans for all that concerns us. But thank goodness that darkness can’t prevail! It’s clearer to me now that our clouded thinking, the roadblocks, mixed messages that intentionally halt and hurt are dangerous strongholds. But there is good news my friends, victory is attainable! Often the positive direction we long for can be found within arm’s reach.


The power lies within us to seek out the truth and gain clarity about spiritual warfare maneuvers. Remember the spiritual battle we face will cause us to stumble and not stroll.
The demonic design is an arrangement to confound, distract and confuse us with contaminated thinking that diminishes our worth! But the truth about our royalty lies in God’s word. It starts with consulting the Holy Scripture and embracing the Lord’s instructions. Our shelves may also contain many spirit-led words that may help us gain new perspectives for more rewarding lives. Check out what’s in your midst. We can fight the good fight of faith and change our minds and hearts!


Think on the goodness of Jesus!



Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8


The Holy Spirit has charged us with fully embracing God’s promises for a rewarding life. Let’s begin to boldly and honestly examine our thinking and ask God to reveal what our strongholds are (i.e. envy, bitterness, depression, anger, procrastination, __________ fill in the blank, etc.) which hinder God’s perfect plan for us.


Be assured that the love of God will turn the tide for abundant living with unsuspecting extraordinary outcomes. Oh I am so grateful for God’s love and the depth of it that keeps us buoyant as we travel this earthly and spiritual plain.


Ok friends I am crossing the street now, headed home and will talk with you later. Remember think whatever you wish, just let it be lovely!


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/

PRAYER BOOK: IS AN AWESOME RESOURCE

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James 5:16 Friends this is my birthday season, can’t believe that another year has come and gone. I'm a Flag Day baby. Growing up in the 60's & 70's a big deal was made of this day, we marched happily through the school corridors, wearing our patriotic red, white and blue paper crafted hats and each student was presented with their very own miniature American flag. After our symbolic march to the patriotic music by John Philip Sousa it was then my turn to distribute treats to my class mates and relish that my birthday had special significance. That’s been many years ago. But I still enjoy a big deal being made of my birthday, truly I get giddy with joy about the attention and especially love giving gifts to my friends as well. This season of my life has been filled with many moments that were trying! But that's no different from others. Thank God for prayer (s) that has helped provide me/us with a very different slant on what's occurring. I want to give you a gift that literally keeps on giving. It’s quite personal – a prayer resource , this book is a tangible tool in that you can acquire it from Christian Word Ministries. The benefits are innumerable- it will SIGNIFICANTLY bless you! This is a guarantee! In an exaggerated accent say, “Gar-ron-tee!” I stumbled upon this Prayer Book via the internet when I urgently needed a healing prayer. I couldn't find my book: Prayers That Availeth Much that I commandeered from my brother Stevie. I was mentally preparing for a second diagnostic mammogram. Yes, praying but was really uncertain and afraid regarding the outcome. My spirit hungered for relief. Never do I order anything on the internet, on this occasion I moved past my reservations and ordered the free Prayer Book and just like clockwork it arrived right on time. The more prayers and affirmations I read, the more comfort I experienced. Friends this is an invaluable resource that you will come to greatly appreciate! It really is free from Christian Word Ministries! They even invite you to download the book. The affirmations, scriptures, prayers and so much more-are at your reach and will assure you, aide in shoring up your prayer life and enhancing your faith journeys all the more. My spirit reminds me of Philippians 4:6-8 (New King James Version) and says, Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. It's a must have for your inspirational bookshelves. By no means does it replace your bibles. This book ushers you to further lean on God's word and power! Check out the website: http://www.christianword.org/php/default.php?page_id=dp and/or http://www.christianword.org/prayer_book/PrayersBook10a.pdf and be sure to read the many testimonies, mine is there as well: (Giving Thanks for You, Feb.21, 2007). Blessings to the many prayer partners, especially those seeking God’s divine direction. Three words attached with the bow on this gift are: Application, Application, and Application! Apply scriptures in the mighty name of Jesus and give feet/action to your faith! This birthday I can attest that prayer is a healing balm for the soul. I am a witness. I believe that we aren't praying in vain and God is always in our midst. Don't hold back friends, in prayer I encourage you to share with Him your heart! At the risk of sounding like a broken record the Prayer Book is awesome! March on y’all, march on in Jesus’ name! God Has Not Forgotten Kirk Franklin & Tonex Linda Mose Meadows is an Inspirational Columnist for Urban Views Weekly, Empower Magazine and Author of: The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises, Blogger: Celebrating Ordinary Days With Extraordinary Promises & The Blessedness of Believing and Co-publisher of Eyes of Faith Magazine: http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/ http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/ http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/