Friends come, sit a while and relish this lesson of love
according to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in:
1 John 3
1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
3 Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.
4. Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.
5 But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin.
6 No-one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No-one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.
7 Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.
8 He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.
9 No-one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.
10 This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.
Love One Another
11 This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.
12 Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother's were righteous.
13 Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you.
14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death.
15 Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.
16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
17 If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?
18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
19 This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence
20 whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.
21 Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God
22 and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him.
23 And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.
24 Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.
To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— Jude 1:24 (NIV)
In this age of glorified “playas” and pimps, so-low/solo, and down-low men-the ne’er-do-well (dregs), I am grateful for fathers, real men that love their families and openly express and demonstrate what love, nurturing and character-building qualities resemble. I have some of those very men in my family; my cousins, my brothers, my male friends whether they have children or not, yes they know how to care and show God’s unconditional love.
They are everyday, down to earth actively participating in the home father’s. Today’s standards would label them as exceptional! They humbly beleive they are the norm. My husband is a compassionate and concerned father. He’ll quickly come to an adult’s rescue and if it’s one of the children, he’ll go the extra mile to lend a helping hand. He assists with homework, effortlessly bakes amazing meals and drives miles to Shaw University and North Carolina A&T to return Mike or Missy to college, or drop by to see how “things” are progressing for them. He emails teacher's to get an idea about the progress his children are having in school.
Yes, love is the universal language of a concerned and dedicated father. Often it not the material goods, the dollars ( although it’s often a necessity) but it the humorous and serious conversations, the time spent, the wisdom imparted and the demonstrated efforts that make the rough spots smooth.
I simply want to say as a woman, a daughter and a mother and a global citizen –father’s your words, your love shown and your very acts dedicated to our well being are appreciated and honored. We look in your eyes and know what loving affirmation is! I praise God for you and pray his mighty blessings in your lives.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish.[fn1] He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven. Hebrews 12:1, 2 (NIV)
Grateful is what I am and yes indeed still in awe of November 4th and now the approaching inauguration celebration on January 20th ! My spirit is celebrating! I am encouraged to continue tapping the divine within! New posibilities, new thinking, new expectations are on the horizon for all. We voted as though our lives depended on it! And as a result of this public outpouring, we witnessed an evolution of change for the better. Yes, it was a relay race, and the voters passed the baton to then Senator Barack Obama.
Now we continually here in media conversations that focus on the need for clearance and smooth transition for President-Elect Barack Obama. He’s being urged to speedily move to rectify a flat- lining economy, miserable job loss, a costly and unpopular war with military families in need, a heath insurance debacle and crumbling urban infrastructures and the beat goes on and on about what must be tackled now.
It’s aptly called the “handoff",truly president-elect must feel as though he’s running a marathon. Clearly the baton is in his hand and the world awaits the outcome of this final leg of the race. He’s in the anchor position. But thank God for our divine anchor Jesus Christ! The irony is President- Elect is not yet sworn into his office of presidency. The people’s commitment to embracing Barack’s vision of change and hope, their resounding appearances and attendances at community rallies –and ultimately their votes were the baton. And we await the start of this race, anxiously anticipating a favorable race!
Take a look at these instructions friends for running a successful relay race. Thanks Holy Ghost, this was an eye opener for passing a relay baton and determining whether you win the race:
How to Pass a Relay Baton By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor http://www.ehow.com/how_2106595_pass-relay-baton.html Speed, coordination and working as a team determine whether you will win a relay race. Knowing how to effectively pass that baton is fundamental to achieving victory. There are two basic passes, and your team should be proficient at both
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Up Sweep and Palm Down Pass Step 1 Time it so that when the approaching runner hits the mark, the outgoing runner starts to sprint. Step 2 Reach back with the outgoing runner's receiving hand, arranging an inverted "V" with the hand. Step 3 Move the approaching runner's arm in an upward motion and place the baton in his hand. He takes the baton from the outgoing runner. Step 4 Always run through the pass, never slowing down in the timing of the exchange.
Down Sweep and Palm Up Pass Step 1 Coordinate the team members so when the approaching runner hits her mark, the outgoing runner starts to sprint. Step 2 Plan for the outgoing runner to reach back with his baton in hand parallel to the track. Step 3 Turn the outgoing runners thumb in the direction of the torso with his palm facing up shaping a "V". Step 4 Move the approaching runner's arm in a downward sweeping motion as the outgoing runner places the baton in the receiver's hand. The approaching runner takes the baton and sprints.
It’s been the exception to the rule. It’s time for a game changing performance. That President- Elect Barack must hit the ground running, not resting and not wavering. From all appearances he hasn’t has a moment to breathe and revel in the fact that come January 20th he’ll no longer be Senator of Illinois but President of the great United States. My prayer is that for just a moment he’ll rally around his family, friends, this nation and celebrate his great calling. In all of that let’s continue to bathe him prayer and cover him with God’s word and blessings as he begins to run this stretch of the lap. Friends reference step 3- his palms are facing upward, he sprints with his heart is pumping and victory is in sight! Surely we’ll win!
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Lord we thank you for this wonderful man you’ve placed among us-President- Elect Barack Obama. You’ve planted a great vision and responsibility in him. He’s the human anchorman evoking needed change for this nation and this universe. We praise and bless you for that! We are grateful that you’ve planted his feet on the foundation of your word. He has a genuine heart to seek change for the betterment of human kind, we appreciate that Lord. When his heart is overflowing with the cares of this world show him your grace and comfort.
Let us not forget that when we are weary we can rely on you Lord for divine support, stability, and a supernatural anointing. This anointing reminds us as your children that security and mainstay belong to us in you Heavenly Father.
God, we realize that you alone are the voice that beckons us to hear your instructions and strengthens us to fear not! Lord we confidently know that our hope in you is our anchor. For all the days ahead we will remember to give you all the honor, glory and praise. Amen!
It was time to mentally prepare for the road trip back to Virginia after our wonderful Christmas break spent at home in Buffalo, New York with loved ones. The time always moves too quickly, never enough time to see and spend with all of our love ones. I didn’t want to think about it, but I knew it was time to pack luggage and say my goodbyes. So on this final day before our 12-14 hour car journey, we’d eat a great breakfast at a local diner and run errands. Borders’ was one of our stops, my Mother-in- Law needed to purchase gift cards, while she did that I perused the shelves and scouted out the sales, and then decided to speak with one of the Managers to inquire if she’d consider ordering my books for the Borders’ shelves? (I realize now that was the Holy Spirit planting seeds.) After consulting her book database, to my surprise she walked me over to the Local Author’s Section and yes friends, there they were! She requested that I autograph the books in stock and consider returning for a future book signing- you know I did!
My heart was racing but my pen was moving. I scripted: Blessings to you on your journey! I walked away stunned and wanted to break out in a shout: “Thank you Lord” and dance. I walked and ran, yes, ran towards my husband, shared the news and then he said, “Hey let’s go take a picture!” Oh the cell phone is truly a marvel. I found the manager and there we stood smiling.
Lord knows I was smiling for so many reasons: my faith that sometimes got smothered by doubt, but God’s mercy said, “Yes!” and for this evidence that He will and does provide blessings on our journeys when we lest expect it!
Friends, don’t you agree that this was evidence of God having worked behind the scenes (in this instance) on my behalf? This was indeed another opportunity to thank God for an unanticipated gift received during our Christmas vacation at home. It’s good to have a wellspring-a natural and a spiritual home to return to.
I more fully understand that home is where the love of God is demonstrated and is generously poured on us like soothing, healing oil-needed and appreciated for our travels on life’s road.
We’re ready now!
Thank you Lord for this evidence that you are always working on our behalf! Friends I encourage you to find your way back to your spiritual wellspring-there’s a blessing that awaits you.
Dear Lord, thy will be done in everything and everywhere;
without a reserve, without a but, an if, or a limit. Saint Francis of Sales
"The manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all."
1 Corinthians 12:7
There are occasions where you will meet unannounced, anointed, gifted individuals and may miss the opportunity to really connect on a personal level. You’ll say your polite, “hellos” and that’s the end of story. But, just possibly you’ll find yourself enjoying the holiday party, attending the family gathering, taking a walk on your favorite trail or possibly standing in the grocery store line, and your guard will drop and a pleasant conversation will ensue. Before long laughter will be birthed and you’ll discover there’s a real commonality.
Well friends, that’s what occurred when I met the mild mannered Father Earnest Graham, an Episcopal priest and graphic artist during a Christmas open house celebration. Initially I had no idea that I was standing next to an accomplished graphic artist, author, and fellow blogger. (Previously I had been introduced to he and his wife's ministry and work before I met him.)
I am sure you’ll agree that Father Earnest Graham’s work transcends generational lines and surely international time zones as he endeavors to accomplished his mission of enlightening and sharing the word of God through his art and faith in Look Both Ways: The Cross Roads of Art and Faith.
Father Earnest, keep up the blessed work my friend, the world awaits your ministry! Amen!
With tremendous joy! Linda Mose Meadows, Author The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
His mercies never cease.Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;therefore, I will hope in him!” The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. Lamentations 3:22-25
Initially, I wanted to entitle this post: Sometimes We Have to Cry but after my lunch walk, a timely work day devotional and scripture reflections-“I changed my mind.” as my friend Marion would say!
Today, I was feeling that pangs of hurt and disappointment which wore so heavy on my spirit that I needed to talk to friend in route to work. At the conclusion of our conversation she shared that her morning reading said something to the effect of:
“Trust an unknown future to a known God.”
I don’t know who said it, but it was right on time! Before arriving to work I was singing off key but feeling so much better! Later that morning I would receive an e-inspirational reading from beliefnet. It was aptly entitled 12 Ways to Mend a Broken Heart.
Can’t you see it? Yes, truly God was up to something this morning!
Deliverance!
My spirit must have echoed –“Speak to my heart Holy Spirit!”
During my lunchtime walk my intentions were to further lift my spirit and redirect my energy towards more positive thoughts and behavior.
Would you agree that there are many instances in our lives when we feel deep sorrows and disappointments and are too consumed by emotional, spiritual and unfortunate physical afflictions. As we use to say as kids-“too jacked up” to refocus and regroup ourselves to know that God has equipped us to survive and move on if need be? Yes, to survive the wrong done, and ultimately experience the compassion that can be found in a loving Heavenly Father that can and will restore our spirits.
It’s apparent that this was no accident, my husband sharing this you tube video with me regarding a phone call from a grieving 12-yr old boy to Houston radio station KSBJ FM 89.3. The message was so moving that KSBJ posted it on their website. Be inspired by this wonderfully moving and unrehearsed conversation shared in grief. I promise you that you’ll be blessed.
Be further encouraged by this heartrending and beautifully written devotional by my friend, Pastor Renita Shadwick in Baby Love Notes entitled: There Will Be Crying found in the Blessedness of Believing blog (written July 25, 2008):
And finally, be empowered by Hope of Relief in God's Mercy found scripture
Yes my friends, God does listen to our heartfelt concerns.
Blessings to You! We Are in GOD'S Hands! Author, Linda Mose Meadows The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises (Tate Publishing, Nov 2007) http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 (New International Version - UK)
Friends, I am sure that you’ve all heard of the great soulful songstress Mary J. Blige? If not reference You Tube and become familiar with a legend. She’s a woman with heart, soul and true grit. In her song Work That, she reminds not only women, but all of God’s children to “work” what God has gifted us with, and recognize that we are royalty. Scripture assures us also that we are a royal priesthood and a holy nation! How about that! Simply stated: Work what you got! My translation is to embrace your calling- embrace what God has purposed for you to accomplish-one action step at a time!
Why this song you wonder? This song sprang in my spirit as I sat in the Frank Merriweather Public Library at home in Buffalo, N Y –it’s an architectural marvel in the heart of the Buffalo community. As I sat at the computer terminal I began wondering which song would convey my message of work your plan? The scripture :
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. [b] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile." Jerimiah 29:11-14
Mary J. Blige like the Erank Merriweather Public library founder’s, developer’s and librarians, they believe in embracing and building up others through resources and services. In an effort to begin anew and start 2009 in the spirit of restoration and personal growth, I trust this information will empower and encourage your hearts.
I really appreciate how the Holy Ghost directed me not only to Youtube’s videos, lyrics of Mary J. Blige but, more importantly her foundation for everyday women entitled:
I salute this soulful woman of God and will endeavor to :
Work my divine centered resolve and spend more concrete time studying and praying so that I move in the direction that God has for me-action ministry and service.
I will take my own medicine and step out further on faith- one step at a time and “work my thing out”, eating better, living healthier, speaking & thinking in the affirmative, learning more and embracing new concepts as I move along my way.
I am listening Lord and taking heed –I encourage you to do the same. Happy New Year!
Enjoy the music, take heart regarding the lyrics and be sure to receive the practical instructions for personal Growth for making a new year’s resolution that are posted on Mary j. Blige’s website! Strut your stuff like Mary! Work your plan, dream big and live on, live on y’all! I praise God for you!!
Work That
Mary J. Blige's Lyrics
Work your thing out
Work your thing out
Work your thing out Work your thing out
Theres so many-a girls
I hear you been running From the beautiful queen That you could be becoming
You can look at my palm
And see the storm coming
Read the book of my life
And see I've overcome it
Just because the length of your hair ain't long
And they often criticize you for your skin tone
Wanna hold your head high
Cause you're a pretty woman
Get your runway stride home
And keep going
Girl live ya life
I just wanna be myself
Don't sweat girl be yourself
Follow me, Follow me, Follow me
Girl be yourself
That's why I be myself
And I'm gonna love it
Let em get mad
They gonna hate anyway
Don't you get that?
Doesn't matter if you're going on with their plan
They'll never be happy
Cause they're not happy with themselves
Na, na work what you got
I'm talking bout things that I know
Na ,na work what you got
It's okay show yourself some love
Na, na work what you got
Don't worry bout who's saying what
It's gonna be fine
Work what you got
Feelin great because the light's on me
Celebrating the things that everyone told me Would never happen but God has put his hands on me
And aint a man alive could ever take it from me
Working with what I got I gotta keep on Taking care of myself I wanna live long
Do you find it difficult to keep your New Year's resolutions? Do you find yourself coming up with excuses for why you haven't done something you promised yourself you would months ago? Still haven't lost the weight you gained during your last pregnancy? Haven't found room in your schedule to spend more time with your family? Is the basement still a mess after several halfhearted attempts at "spring cleaning"? Here's a decision-making process that might be able to help. Instead of making empty promises and setting unachievable New Year's resolutions this year, try creating S.M.A.R.T. goals.
When you set goals, you need to carefully consider what you want to achieve and be honest with yourself about how much work you're willing to put in to make them happen.
Having goals helps you feel in control and can give you a sense of purpose. You should keep setting new goals for yourself and not feel limited to just one or two. You should also reassess your goals from time to time and measure your progress.
The S.M.A.R.T. process is an effective way to set and meet your goals.Specific: A specific goal has a much greater chance of being accomplished than a general one. Try to choose goals that deal with behaviors, not feelings. For example, you're your goal to walk 20 minutes each morning instead of just deciding to get into shape.
To help yourself set a specific goal, ask yourself the five "W" questions:
Who: Who is involved?
What: What do I want to accomplish?
When: When will I work on my goal and what is a realistic time frame for reaching my goal?
Where: Where will I accomplish the goal?
Why: What are the reasons, purpose, or benefits of accomplishing the goal?
Measurable: Choose goals that have results you can measure - when you can measure your progress, you have a better chance at staying on track, reaching your target dates, and having results you can take pride in.
When you start planning, decide on the steps you need to take to reach the ultimate goal and set deadlines for each step. Try noting your daily progress each day in a diary or a chart, including how you feel about your accomplishments.Achievable: Be honest with yourself about what you can achieve.
Goal setting is a great way to push yourself beyond your current limits, so you should pick a goal that requires effort and hard work, but be sure to choose a goal that is within reach. For example, you may not be able to run a marathon this year, but over time you can gradually increase the distance you can walk.
Rewarding: While it is exhilarating to reach a goal, you should be sure to find extra ways to reward yourself along the way. Plan rewards ahead of time so you have something to look forward to. For example, treat yourself to a new pair of walking shoes when you can walk a mile without stopping.
Timely: A goal should be grounded within a time frame. With no deadline, there's no sense of urgency. Keeping track of your progress will help you stay motivated. Remember, reaching your goals can require a good deal of time and effort, and you need to find ways to keep yourself motivated. When you accomplish your goals, you will feel great about yourself, but be prepared to work hard to get there!Sometimes just sharing your goals with others can help you stay motivated. Please share your progress with us below in the comments section - we'd love to hear your New Year's resolutions and how you plan to make them happen!
Exceptional Photography by Matt McClure
