I STAND ON YOUR WORD

Anointed Jonathan Butler singing: I Stand On Your Word

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:37-39

The visual and spiritual message is captivating. As a viewer, I was swiftly moved into a worshipful space. This was unexpected peace, a serene infilling during my viewing of a youtube video: I Stand On Your Word! Peace found at my dining room table on an early Saturday morning.  Our friend, Bop would pronounce it as being, “caught-up!” I encourage you to also watch it. With the psalmist, we’re now seated in a sacred space, the illuminated sanctuary with the stellar artist and without reservation lift our hands in surrender. Surrendering all of life’s issues with a spirit of immediacy and instead our focus isn’t self preservation with heart rates rapidly racing.  Instead we are enamored with the music, the lyrics and our spirits are overtaken with the loving presence of the Holy Ghost. And our surroundings are fading fast- these images have slowed down to a stand still! Our breathing is now easy and not labored; our spirits understand that “No matter what, you’ve got to stand on the word.” That’s just what Jonathan Butler echos!  

Stellar vocalist, lyricist, accomplished musician and brother: Jonathan Butler clearly declares, that standing on God’s word is the answer.  As the music envelopes us, his beautiful video captures and expresses that the power of God’s word is our blessed assurance. We understand that God’s word will and can reach places, stations not only in the earthly realm, but the heavenly realm as well. Our intellect can’t fathom, our reach can’t touch, our minds can’t envision nor contemplate the impact, nor the benefits of trusting and leaning on God’s word.  It’s a take my word for it guarantee!  As faith creatures there are promises to be had if we simply believe! Come on blessed friends experience-feel the power, majesty and glory of Jesus Christ our Lord and comfortably know what it is to be______________:

RESCUED

That he would grant to us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, 

Luke 1:74

DELIVERED

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. 

Isaiah 53:5

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,

I Corinthians 15:3

SAVED

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

PROTECTED

I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, [and set me] in a large place.

Psalms 118:5

COVERED AND COMFORTED

And they shall dwell safely therein, and shall build houses, and plant vineyards; yes, they shall dwell with confidence...

Ezekiel 28:26

LOVED

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved—

 Ephesians 2:4-5

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

1 John 4:9-11

KEPT

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:6-7  

PEACEFUL

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

John 16:33

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 comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

JOYFUL

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 17:22

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Romans 15:13

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Romans 12:12

CREATED BY THE HAND OF GOD

Thus said the LORD, your redeemer, and he that formed you from the womb, I am the LORD that makes all things...

Isaiah 44:24-26

Brother Jonathan Butler, Sister Lauryn Hill it’s Saturday morning and we are singing with you, hearts filled with thanksgiving: “Joyful, joyful we adore the, God of glory, Lord of love! Thank you for your visual creations and your stunningly anointed lyrics which encourage us deeply! We are faithfully holding on to His promises! Yes, we are standing, moving and dancing in faith on God’s Holy word!

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/

IMMANUEL,THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING!

"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son,

and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us."

Matthew 1:23 New International Version

It’s a magical time of year whether you reside in Suncity, South Africa; Tempee, Arizona; Vancouver, Canada or Buffalo, New York. It has not so much to do with the temperature, location, arid or blistering heat but everything to do with embarking upon another Holy Christmas season and freely receiving the ultimate gift of Jesus Christ, Immanuel. Truly it doesn’t get any better!

Oh come, Oh come Immanuel, we sang this song with such excitement. It seems at every turn there it was! Especially when Christmas caroling and then as a closing or an opening hymn during our Sunday worship services the message was clear it was about celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior. And yes-proclaiming peace on earth and goodwill towards all! How we love baking our delectable cookies, trimming our trees and decorating our homes as we are singing happily Oh Come, Oh Come Immanuel!  Secular radio stations have even caught on and play it on R & B stations. It’s that miraculous, holy time of year and all can freely express that Immanuel means: “God with us!” Now that does give me a special reassuring comfort! What about you?

Our spirits can proclaim that God is with us in our unpredictable ups and downs; God is even there during the most perplexed life chapters! God is with us in our celebrations, as well as our silent seasons. Friends, believe that God is forever present!

He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer,

my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.

Psalm 144:2 NIV

One of the absolute best Christmas gifts given to you was what? Something that made your heart skip a beat, a piece of clothing you felt you couldn’t do without? That art piece which absolutely tugged at your heart? Possibly it was a handmade creation, a treasured trinket, a one of a kind toy, the tin can of heavenly baked goodies, or the phone call from a friend you longed to reconnect with or was it the gathering of loved ones reminiscing and their laughter filling the room?  I don’t know? But I recall the Kodak slogan: “The gift that keeps on giving.” That’s the gift I truly long for! The material (admittedly) and but certainly the supernatural! It’s a spiritual re-gifting of sorts that provides all my friends and family with an infilling of love, peace and joy when the sweater is too snug and the goodies have been gobbled up. I AM with you gift, why not receive a living water gift that we didn’t have to be stampeded over during Black Friday or risk experiencing our computers being hacked into on Cyber Monday because we choose not to shop at the mall!

Are you in search of the perfect treasure to share? Imagine it’s already in your presence, in your spirit, in your speech, in your essence! It’s a thanksgiving, a spiritual rumbling, the voice within that is ignited in prayer which connects us with a divine source, Emmanuel-in us! Oh my friends it’s easier than reaching for the light switch! It’s forever with us! God is listening and awaiting the attentive, the loving, the longing you! The you with the hungry parched spirit! He’s awaiting your surrendered heart & soul! And does He ever have a heartfelt conversation for you!

It’s your call! Come timidly or boldly! Reach out to Him in a whispered petition, an audible plea, or maybe in a silent moment-sacred devotional, a broken bow, or an exhilarating breath, an utterance of: “Lord I know you are with me!” Come with a declaration: “Lord I am weak, worn-out and tried-but you are strong! Help me, save me, guide me!”

It’s the soul awakening moment that acknowledges that our God is all the present we need to share-we need to receive! Think of God's love, His gift as a divine package that resembling ornate, stacked gift boxes containing a three in one blessing-the Father, Son (Jesus Christ) and Holy Ghost with instructions designed to propel, mend and sustain you! And the really good news is when we may not have an overflowing bank account or the energy to purchase gifts which will be long forgotten or appreciated, we can look to the hills from where our help comes from!

Let’s declare that Jesus Christ is the ultimate gift that can be had by all, no matter what’s in our Christmas Club Accounts! Be sure to include celebrating Jesus in your gift giving. Merry Christmas!

"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son,

and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us."

Matthew 1:23 New International Version

Praise Him, Praise Him!

Linda Mose Meadows, Inspirational Author of:
The Blessedness of Believing, A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lesson’s and God’s Promises

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/ 

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/

GOD'S PLAN PREVAILS

 

2010 photo by Linda Mose Meadows

 Mike enjoying Ebony featuring HBCU students. He was one of the student's selected for the Sept.2010, Educational Edition

 

“Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

NIV Matthew 6:10

 

One thing spontaneously spring boarded into the next this morning. I awoke so anxious about our son. (Scripture warns us against being anxious but admittedly my thinking over- rode that truth.) He’s miles away and my discerning internal radar was quite active! Ever had that foreboding feeling? Well that’s what seemed to have latched onto me and I refused to ignore it! Although Mike's a young adult I still have hidden maternal concerns. (Obvious to many I am sure.) I recalled having a dream that Mike was an infant again and I was cradling him. Apparently there had been multiple events occurring in the dream and I just wasn’t able to make sense of it, but in my spirit I felt an urgency to spiritually connect with him, to reach out and hear his voice. When I awoke I phoned him and began closely listening and then asking a series of questions. Bingo! I then learned what issues were of deep concern, shared my brand of advice and began to pray with him. This was no time for a “pitty pat” prayer, but instead to make an urgent petition to our Heavenly Daddy! A prayer to Abba Father declaring His-God’s word! It was time to begin proclaiming and decreeing Mike’s steps, loosing God’s plan  and binding the enemy’s hand through warfare praying! I’d like to believe we were handling God’s divine assigned business!

 

“Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. NIV Matthew 6:10

 

In prayer my intent was to audibly establish that the enemy’s plan was being demolished, thwarted no matter what it appeared to be and instead to trust that God’s plan would prevail.

 

At the conclusion or our prayer and conversation and saying, “Keep me posted, goodbye.” I dropped my head and prayed now with heart of elevated thanksgiving, I distinctly felt it, heard it- the words in my spirit, the tune, the melody and the song gurgling, welling up: Great Is Thy Faithfulness!  Instantly what I sang was my truth, my elder’s truth that: “Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lamentation 3:23. The essence of this scripture was evident! It had a deeper meaning, a deeper significance as I reflected on this morning’s devotional of sorts.

 

The truth is clearer now that for all Believer’s that aren’t misguided by trials can fully acknowledge God’s outpouring love and mercy will remain irreversible. Thank you Holy Spirit with impressing upon us that God never snatches back His love and turns His back on us like some jilted lover. The song got so good to me that I googled the words: Great is Thy Faithfulness penned by Thomas Chisholm (1923):

 

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God, my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above;
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin And a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today And bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, With ten thousand beside.

Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.
www.dailyencouragement.net/hymnstory/great_is_thy_faithfulness.html

My morning wrapped up with several youtube videos which further validated and confirmed the power and beauty of Abba Father’s faithful love. Thank goodness God's marvelous love is not exclusive to a marginal group! Listen to and marvel at the testimony of Donnie McClurkin and  Bishop TD Jakes:

 

  

 I trust your heart is also leaping!

~Prayer of Thanksgiving by Linda Mose Meadows~

Lord, thank you for the watershed moments we experience in our waking hours.

Thank you for also allowing us to experience your paternal love in moments of reflection, prayer and song. We take comfort in knowing that you delight in our presence. We obtain so much positive validation when you allow us to commune with you in spirit and truth. Thank you for keeping chronos time at bay in order to absorb the lessons you wish to convey to us. Our heart matters and burdens are much lighter, the load less daunting because once again we’ve experienced the confirmation of your prevailing love and grace.  Your power endued upon us is life changing! We hear you, see you and feel you Lord! We are grateful for the Holy Scripture which reminds us that "No weapon formed against us shall prosper." And "Great is [your] faithfulness; [your] mercies begin afresh each morning.” I am singing Lord, we are singing your praises!  To you be all glory, dominion and power in the name of our benevolent Lord and Savior, in Jesus Christ we pray! Amen, amen.

  

Joyful, Joyful,

 

Linda Mose Meadows, 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/

                                                                            

VICTORY IS OURS~IT BELONGS TO YOU AND ME!

"Every scripture is God breathed, so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well-fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17




This is an admirable photo of our Commander -in-Chief, President Barak Obama that I had the opportunity of seeing for the first time today. I visited Essence Magazine's Obama Watch site and saw this awesome photo! I am sure that I must have caught a glimpse on CNN or the Huffington Post. But I apparently, the Holy Ghost was on assignment and wanted to not only appreciate the photo, but the caption as well, which reads:

"Victory Is Ours

President Obama thanks American troops for their service at Camp Victory during his surprise trip to Baghdad, Iraq, on April 7."

Many things came to mind, first the music which is a standard song in many congregations: Victory is Mine! The photto conveys how valiant our US Military is, not to overlook how poised and confident and appreciative our President is! I recall the many bible verses that capture the theme of our having victory not just in the earthly relm, but most assuredly in Christ Jesus! Today friends I'd like to beleive that we're trusting in God and daily we're acknowledging, yes witnessing God's grace in the depth and the substance of our faith . This insight allows us to soars as live through trails. Sometimes with the smoke and dust still in our clothing , but the furnace and battle fields of life haven't consumed us! Can I get a witness?

"To Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory..." Jude 1:24

Indeed we are equipped not only for the physical battle, but the spiritual battles that come with diliberate intention to do us in-harm us and prevent us from thinking like victors. Often the biggest battle is waged in our hearts and minds. Overcoming fear ( false evidence appearing real) is a real hurdle in our victorious living marathons! It takes work, oh but it's possible! We must intentionally renounce the enemy-real and imagined! Let's be poised and confident that God is on our side!

I encourage you to fight the good fight, prevail on your faith sojourns, pray for and over each other. Believe that deliverance will come, dreams birthed, and struggles will subside! Healing is evident.

Finally my friends be assured that when you're fatigued and war weary, God will fight our battles and never foresake us. Yes, God has equipped us with everything we need to reach our destinations-yes our destines are in view. Victory belongs to us, its yours and mine! Visit this site and join Dorothy Norwood in declaring our victory! To God be the glory!

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/

BEING GRATEFUL FOR THE HERE AND NOW

A Post It Again Praise Moment!

May the Lord of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

Oh this is wonderful! That I am sure of is what was resonating in my spirit. Instead of continuing to work beyond 5pm, waiting for my husband to arrive so we could journey home, I had the bright idea to shut the computer down, close the folders and leave like others with common sense and prepare to end the work day. So there I sat on the bench, with book in hand, tote and lunch bag by my side and I began to breathe in and out. This was truly calming. I recognized the divine-the divine moment of the here and now.

God was truly in the atmosphere and I recognized immediately that He also dwelled in me, my very breath!

The trees swayed, the warm breeze was refreshing and the beautiful blue water that cascades and moves around the fringes of Hampton’s campus is truly a site to behold. So it just felt good to be outdoors and present in this moment.

I then opened and resumed my reading of BeBe Moore Campbell novel: Singing in the Comeback Choir. And reality of her singing career[is shared with] Maxine:

“When I was in my prime, I was so proud of my voice, but I didn’t really appreciate it. I’d hit a note that could crack glass and wonder how I got there. I’d be holding that note long enough to pass out and searching in the crowd to see if anybody important was listening. And I’d be all the way back down before I remembered that I hadn’t even enjoyed it: not getting there, not the being there, not even the coming back. I was so busy trying to get somewhere.” Pg 318

Did that ever hit me like a ton of bricks friends.

I read the passage at least three times. Glanced up and appreciated that there was a young man skateboarding, zooming past me. He moved effortlessly it appeared with ease and sheer enjoyment. Apparently he had mastered this skateboard. As I marveled at this summer school student I really appreciated what God was expressing to me in real time! And really began to appreciate how triumphant we can live if we pay attention and value our life’s moments. Admittedly we can miss out on the important personal and developmental milestones-living! Wouldn’t you agree that the Holy Ghost is amazing?

Friends God has spoken through BeBe Moore Campbell’s character Lindy. Lindy’s drive to reach stardom, get from there to here, her drive to have a stellar singing career and grab the brass ring, was admirable but she understands that she missed the mark, missed the opportunity to celebrate all of life’s offerings and be content in the moment!

Well, indeed the revelation that Lindy had as she expressed herself was a healing moment for me. I too have hurried through life, desiring immediate changes and like Lindy have missed so many opportunities to spiritually tune in and rejoice along the way instead my focus was fixed on anticipating the next life’s issue, the next and the next!

It was cathartic- I read on and there it was-Lindy placed her hands to her mouth and kissed them. I then knew she who battered by racism, alcoholism, guilt and anger was finally appreciative, thankful in her soul for her life and her songs. This surely was a moment of personal worship-not about her accomplishments but of God’s tender grace and mercies.

Be joyful, always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18

My spirit uttered, Lord I thank you! And my grocery list of thanks began to roll out of my mind! Lord I thank you for the finally being fifty and free. Free to look back and not wonder, I now know it was you who kept me! I won’t be embarrassed about my setbacks. I can stop sweating the small stuff and remember to appreciate all the simple abundance you’ve provided for me! I thank you because I know it’s a miracle to just be able to open my eyes and see! See all you want me to see, to feel all that I feel and to love all that I love. God I will never worry so much about reaching the plateau without being thankful for being able to scale the summit!

What is your spirit uttering? What of God’s grace in your life?

Today let’s get our spiritual skateboards out and move like that young man on campus, being assured, confident, healed, joyful, grateful and confident that God is the wind beneath our wings! And for those of us a little frail from the journey, fear not-be sure to breathe deeply and you enjoy the view!

“So I pray that God, who gives you hope,

will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him.

May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them sing joyful praises forever.
Protect them,
so all who love your name may be filled with joy.
For you bless the godly, O LORD,
surrounding them with your shield of love.
Psalm 5:11-12

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/

12 WAYS TO MEND A BROKEN HEART

Sun and Sky

Be joyful always;

pray continually;

give thanks in all circumstances.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

This is in praise of Beliefnet!! They are an amazing website. You may wish to consider including them as one of your favorite websites. Beliefnet earnestly, comfortably and sensitively deals with the complexity of spiritual, heart and soul issues. Their writers are bold, bright and insightful, in my estimation producing thought provoking material. Some information you may wish to challenge, other information may provide new intellectual and spiritual vistas which ironically you predict were electronically sent at the precise time. God’s handy work is evident. Often I’ve needed a spiritual lift and there it was in my email’s in box-a prayer, a motivational word, a scripture, a new perspective, a humorous story or a beneficial article! All of it made sense out of a personal predicament or a celebratory moment. Why it must be one of God's daily offerings, meant for our enlightenment!

Well my friend, here’s some food for thought regarding those of us that walk through, breathe through and have lived through experiences that have broken our hearts. I pray you’re a better person as a result of the overall muscle that you’ve built up in this endurance race of making it through the tough stuff of brokeneness! I pray that your spirit is more resilient because of God’s sweet grace. Here’s some additional heart and soul food that Beliefnet has cooked up- enjoy!

12 Ways to Mend a Broken Heart
Tuesday January 6, 2009

Categories: Relationships

Bess Myerson once wrote that "to fall in love is awfully simple, but to fall
out of love is simply awful," especially if you are the one who wanted the
relationship to last. But to stop loving isn't an option. Author Henri Nouwen
writes, "When those you love deeply reject you, leave you, or die, your heart
will be broken. But that should not hold you back from loving deeply. The pain
that comes from deep love makes your love ever more fruitful." But how do we get beyond the pain? Here are 12 techniques I've gathered from experts and from
conversations with friends on how they patched up their heart and tried, ever so
gradually, to move on.

1. Go through it, not around it.
I realize the most difficult task for a person with a broken heart is to stand still and feel the crack. But that is exactly what she must do. Because no shortcut is without its share of obstructions. Here's a simple fact: You have to grieve in order to move on. During the 18 months of my severe depression, my therapist repeated almost every visit: "Go through it. Not around it." Because if I went around some of the
issues that were tearing me apart inside, then I would bump into them somewhere
down the line, just like being caught in the center of a traffic circle. By
going through the intense pain, I eventually surfaced as a stronger person ready
to tackle problems head on. Soon the pain lost its stronghold over
me.

2. Stand on your own.
One of the most liberating thoughts I repeat to myself when I'm immersed in grief and sadness is this: I don't need anyone or anything to make me happy. That job is all my own, with a little help from God. When I'm experiencing the intense pangs of grief, it is so difficult to trust that I can be whole without that person in my life. But I have learned over and over again that I can. I really can. It is my job to fill the
emptiness, and I can do it ... creatively, and with the help of my higher
power.

3. Detach.
Attempting to fill the void yourself--without rushing
to a new relationship or trying desperately to win your lover back--is
essentially what detaching is all about. The Buddha taught that attachment that
leads to suffering. So the most direct path to happiness and peace is
detachment. In his book, "Eastern Wisdom for Western Minds," Victor M. Parachin tells a wonderful story about an old gardener who sought advice from a monk. Writes Parachin: "Great Monk, let me ask you: How can I attain liberation?" The
Great Monk replied: "Who tied you up?" This old gardener answered: "Nobody tied me up." The Great Monk said: "Then why do you seek liberation?"

4. List your strengths.
As I wrote in my "12 Ways to Keep Going" post, a technique that helps me when I feel raw and defeated to try anymore is to list my strengths. I say to myself, "Self, you have been sober for 20 years!! Weaklings can't pull off that! And here you are,
alive, after those 18 months of intense suicidal thoughts. Plus you haven't
smoked a cigarette since that funeral back in December of last year!" I say all
of that while listening to the "Rocky" soundtrack, and by the last line, I'm
ready to tackle my next challenge: move on from this sadness and try to be a
productive individual in this world. If you can't list your strengths, start
a self-esteem file. Click here to learn how you build one.

5. Allow some fantasizing.
Grief wouldn't be the natural process that it should be without some yearning for the person you just lost. Dr. Christine Whelan, who writes the "Pure Sex, Pure Column" on BustedHalo.com, explains the logic of allowing a bit of fantasy. She writes: If you are trying to banish a sexual fantasy from your head, telling yourself "I'm not going to fantasize about her" or "I won't think about what it would be like to be intimate with him" might make it worse: In a famous psychological study from the 1980s, a group of subjects were told to think about anything but whatever they did, they were not supposed to think about a white bear. Guess what they all thought about?

6. Help someone else.
When I'm in pain, the only guaranteed antidote to my suffering is to box up all of my feelings, sort them, and then try to find a use for them. That's why writing Beyond Blue contributes a big chunk to my recovery, why moderating Group Beyond Blue has me excited to wake up every day. When you turn your
attention to another person--especially someone who is struggling with the same
kind of pain--you forget about yourself for a split moment. And let's face it,
that, on some days, feels like a miracle.

7. Laugh. And cry.
Laughter heals on many levels as I explain in my "9 Ways Humor Heals" post, and so does crying. You think it's just a coincidence that you always feel better after a good cry? Nope, there are many physiological reasons that contribute to the healing power of tears. Some of them have been documented by biochemist William Frey who has spent 15 years as head of a research team studying tears. Among their findings is that emotional tears (as compared to tears of irritation, like when you cut an onion) contain toxic biochemical byproducts, so that weeping removes these toxic substances and relieves emotional stress. So go grab a box of Kleenex and cry your afternoon away.

8. Make a good and bad list.
You need to know which activities will make you feel good, and which ones will make you want to toilet paper your ex-lover's home (or apartment). You won't really know which activity belongs on which list until you start trying things, but I suspect that things like checking out his wall on Facebook and seeing that he has
just posted a photo of his gorgeous new girlfriend is not going to make you feel
good, so put that on the "don't attempt" list, along with e-mails and phone
calls to his buddies fishing for information about him. On the "feels peachy"
list might be found such ventures as: deleting all of his e-mails and
voicemails, pawning off the jewelry he gave you (using the cash for a
much-needed massage?), laughing over coffee with a new friend who doesn't know
him from Adam (to ensure his name won't come up).

9. Work it out.
Working out your grief quite literally--by running, swimming, walking, or kick-boxing--is going to give you immediate relief. On a physiological level--because exercise increases the activity of serotonin and/or norepinehrine and stimulates brain chemicals that foster growth of nerve cells--but also on an emotional level, because you are taking charge and becoming the master of your mind and body. Plus you can visualize the fellow who is responsible for your pain and you can kick him in the face. Now doesn't that feel good?

10. Create a new world.
This is especially important if your world has collided with his, meaning that mutual friends who have seen him in the last week feel the need to tell you about it. Create your own safe world--full of new friends who wouldn't recognize him in a crowd and don't know how to spell his name--where he is not allowed to drop by for a figurative or literal surprise visit. Take this opportunity to try something new--scuba diving lessons, an art class, a book club, a blog--so to program your mind and body to expect a fresh beginning ... without him.

11. Find hope.
There's a powerful quote in the movie "The Tale of Despereaux" that I've been thinking about ever since I heard it: There is one emotion that is stronger than fear, and that is forgiveness." I suppose that's why, at my father's deathbed, the moment of reconciliation between us made me less scared to lose him. But forgiveness requires hope: believing that a better place exists, that the aching emptiness experienced in your every activity won't be with you forever, that one day you'll be excited to make coffee in the morning or go to a movie with friends.
Hope is believing that the sadness can evaporate, that if you try like hell to
move on with your life, your smile won't always be forced. Therefore in order to
forgive and to move past fear, you need to find hope.

12. Love deeply. Again and again.
Once our hearts are bruised and burned from a relationship that ended, we have two options: we can close off pieces of our heart so that one day no one will be able to get inside. Or we can love again. Deeply, just as intensely as we did before. Henri Nouwen urges to love again because the heart only expands with the love we are able to pour forth. He writes: The more you have loved and have allowed yourself to suffer because of your love, the more you will be able to let your heart grow wider and deeper. When your love is truly giving and receiving, those whom you love will not leave your heart even when they depart from you. The pain of rejection, absence, and death can become fruitful. Yes, as you love deeply the ground of your heart will be broken more and more, but you will rejoice in the abundance of the fruit it will bear.

Reference:
http://blog.beliefnet.com/beyondblue/2009/01/12-ways-to-mend-a-broken-heart.html

Shared With You In Mind,

Linda Mose Meadows, Author

The Blessedness of Believing

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

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/