PAY ATTENTION TO THE SIGNS!

Photo by: Linda Meadows

This plant often surprises me.

Some mornings it's blossoming with new flowers!

“Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragement, and impossibilities:
It is this; that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak.”
—Thomas Carlyle(1795-1881), historian, essayist, satirist

Could it be that the most driven personalities, the most audacious, determined spirits walk their own paths in life and feel that they need not borrow from our platter of experiences? Come what may, they are going to do things their way and in their own time. Many of them may see the signs, the seemingly very obvious indicators (to me and you) telling them to go another way, avoid the pitfalls, smell the coffee, get out of that business plan, abort that agenda, leap from the burning building, or squash that dream. But they shrug their shoulders in disbelief and ignore us! Their exuberance can’t hold a candle to the voice of caution. It’s a “faith system” that befuddles most. They read the “signs” differently! You can’t get in their way. That’s that resolve that reminds me of the scripture that “God did not give us the spirit of fear, but of love and a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

Several days ago I realized that during my noon walk I pass a line of trees, not very tall but they are lovely. If I am too absorbed in thought, I miss them all together. Move too fast and I am around the corner and back in my office. Depending upon the season, the transformation of leaves and buds has occurred over night. The leaves and flowers appear and re-appear in varying brilliant colors- the weather and the season play a huge factor. The trees have that tell tale sign that a change has resulted. Are we having an “aha moment”? I believe that Holy Spirit is speaking:

He desires that we understand that that change is eminent. We will experience seasons of lack, prosperity, joy, pain, and the trying of our patience, but we can be like the trees planted on my lunch walk! Change doesn't deminish it's beauty. It's foundation is strong! Is yours?

Our spiritual foundation will sustain and nourish us during the harshness of the elements. Study and pray to become further rooted and grounded in God’s word. Let love and faith will anchor you. The benefits of your spiritual foundation will help you to thrive. I am a witness!

Are you paying attention to the seasons in your life? Are they serving to mature you and encourage you? Remember it’s all a life lesson –just pay close attention to the momentum. Growth is evident. Take a moment and let your mind escort you back to all that you’ve encountered. Remember God’s grace? It’s right there.

• I am confident that God desires that we understand that that change is eminent. We will experience seasons of lack, prosperity, joy, pain, and the trying of our patience, but we can be like the trees rooted and grounded-still standing! We too can be determined to live and not die, no matter the season!

• Literally enjoy the signs of nature, the artistic impressions, the billboards, the graffiti, the conversations, the relationships, the dynamics and the words, so many words along the way; learn from them!. Take them as signs to assist in navagaating your way. Filter what has no place in your spirit! Pay attention to the signs! Go on and tuck them in your heart.
  
  

Friends it’s a fact, God doesn’t abandon His own! Your blessed pursuits–whether they be unchartered waters or familiar avenues; fully rely on God! Surely you’ll know victory.

Shared With Joy,

Linda Mose Meadows, Columnist & Inspirational Author:

The Blessedness of Believing

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

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com

PRICELESS GIFTS

One of the "gift" books on work table:

His Children

by Anita Schiller, photographer

and Susan Noyes Anderson, poet

there's wisdom here

the power of three

the power of surf

and sand and sea

the power to kneel upon the ground

the power to build on something sound

the power to feel

that nothing ends

the power of three

the power of friends

the power of surf

and sand and sea

there's wisdom here

the power of three

Some finds are priceless. That awesome leather bag you discover at your favorite TJ Maxx store makes you want to break out in a dance. A red dress drastically marked down and then the 75% discount on top of that was waiting just for you-oh that's divine! The beautifully decorated brown and turquoise journal and box of humorous gift cards discovered underneathe the pile contsruction paper poking out in view for your eyes only. Or that tray of perrenials at your Home Depot that you happened upon because you needed those energy efficient bulbs, and just before you make your way to the check out line, youn dart over to garden wares. Your whistling, humming and dancing because of your garden discounts! The treasures we stumble upon when we least expect them are wonderful and so easy on our wallets. You haven't broken the bank and the retail therapy was just what the doctor ordered.

Oh, it is really one of the sweetest feeling being able to indulge yourself when you least expect it. I have discovered a treasure trove right there at work and there are no costs and long shopping lines. I can't tell you the number of times I've walked by the table stationed next to the vending machine and rarely looked at the items on top the table. This table isn't ornately designed, skirted with a banner, nor display. It'a like the can of cookies on top the fridge and no one notices the contents. You see the can in the same location, but seldom shake the can to examine the goodies. Try it-it really works.

Weekly there are new books on top the table. They are "freebies!" Inconspicuosly in the open! Yes, it's really an oxymoron. In plain sight there are a several books. If you paid no attention, you'd think they were text books. Not so. These are wonderful books: word puzzles, mysteries, novels, how-to-books, cookbooks, children's books and inspirational selections. Gently used and brand new books. One day I quickly glanced and then stopped, I was having a "Barnes & Noble" moment and just giggled with sheer delight. The identity of the book fairy is unknown. The books are here today and then gone. But the treasure is always replenished. It's a book lovers dream! I feel very fortunate and blessed by the donors generosity and am extremely thankful for the unexpected gifts. My personal work library has flourished-it brings me joy!

In the midst of a rushed workday, I can slow down for a moment, reach for a wonderful book, learn how to create a wreathe, marvel at artwork, celebrate with a poem, or escape through the photographers' lense and just be still and breathe because of a priceless gift.

From My Heart to Yours,

Linda Mose Meadows, Inspirational Columnist & Author

The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT? I GOT TO KNOW YOU!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart.

Do not depend on your own understanding.

In all your ways remember him.

Then he will make your paths smooth and straight.
Proverbs 3: 5-6

Donnie McClurkin featuring Marvin L. Winans - Live in London

This morning, I was deliberately searching for an uplifting word, possibly a song, a melody something that would speak to my heart and my circumstance. As I read a students’ file, then reviewed an assignment, I stopped and paid attention to the radio. There it was so clear and accurate on the radio-one of my favorite songs by Donnie McClurkin: Who Would Have Thought! It didn’t take long, I had ownership of the song and revelation that the lyrics were my testimony.

Hold tight to your testimonies friend, they build you and shape you and encourage you when life is especially confusing!

I have embedded this Youtube video of Marvin Winnans and Donnie McClurkin for you and hope that you’ll also have opportunity to listen and rejoice because of the truth that is resonated is timely! Think about it friends, so many others have boosted and almost shouted, “I know Jesus!” and “I’m too blessed to be stressed!” “Yes, I am blessed and highly favored!”

That might be their truth; but what of your experience? Some days you may be hard pressed to utter those sentiments. Oh, we realize that the goodness of the Lord, but the weight of the world has us pinned against the wall. Just for an instance, reflect that you too have come through the fire and rain and yes, it was awesome grace and mercy that allowed us not to be consumed by life’s floods and fire! You are enduring, that loss you’ve overcome!

We are victorious and well acquainted with God! How do we know? It’s that genuine bounce in your step; that too much too soon responsibility that you carry, which has not caused you to loose your way; that restored joy reborn; that trouble you encounter which causes you to trust, pray and persevere; that hurried pace you move at-you’re on a divine mission ;
that ________, whatever it is that has caused you to become very intimate with God!

Who would have thought, we got to know God for ourselves!

Indeed you are friends with our creator! On a first name basis! You move and breathe with assurance because you too know God for yourself and never ever have to boost because in your spirit, it’s evident! It’s realized ! Go right ahead, jump shout and praise God and sing with Donnie: “I got to know him in a better way!”

Sharing In Love,

Linda Mose Meadows, Inspirational Columnist & Author:

The Blessedness of Believing

A Devotional Journey of Life's lessons and God's Promises (tate Publishing)

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

2009 LIFE THROUGH LITERATURE FESTIVAL: AN UPLIFTING EVENT!

Poplar Lawn Park,

Sycamore Street

Petersburg, Virginia

Thanks for your support Brother Charles!

"The Lord has done great things for us,

and we are filled with joy."

Psalm 126:3

The Mayor of Petersburg,

The Honorable Annie M. Mickens

The overcast skies had to give way to the warmth, fervor and excitement felt throughout the day for the wonderful festivities of the:

2009 Life Through Literature

held today, October 10, 2009.

Author, Linda Mose Meadows happily participated in

Author's Pavilion!

It was indeed an awesome community literary event! Kudos to City of Petersburg, Mayor Annie M. Mickens, the Petersburg Public Library System, its sponsors and a host of vendors, literary characters and some soulful entertainers!

Wonderful, wonderful is just what this day was. It was exhilarating to be in the company of such esteemed authors as: Karen Winston (Lindula Finds Joy), John Bryan (Take Me Fishing), Amina Luqman-Dawon (Afro-Americans of Petersburg), Elvetrice Parker Belches (Black America Series: Richmond), Charles Lee (Preacher Man), Walton Graham (Critter Crossing), Rev. Angel E. White (In the Beginning God) and my wonderful friend: Editor and Founder of Tools For Life, Ronette Jacobs. These authors were provided an opportunity to showcase their projects and publications. We shared our literary publishing experiences, read excerpts of our work and entertained questions. It was an opportunity to learn, share and celebrate a realized dream.

Children and adults had a ball interacting with Dr. Sesus' Cat In The Hat and Curious George mascots. Books galore were available to everyone! It was a book lovers haven. Everyone was encouraged to take as many books as their arms could carry! No doubt Poplar Lawn Park was the perfect sight to host an upbeat family friendly event. The overall atmosphere chased the gray clouds away and graciously invited the sun to stay a while, beckoned authors to continue framing and building their works and conveyed to book lovers that The Petersburg Library has a heart purposed for literacy enrichment!

Was this community appreciative? Just ask the little boy walking with his tiger painted face, wearing his unique ballon crown and clutching his precious book? I am sure his answer is a resounding, "Yep!" Surely it was evident to on-lookers as the little guy walked with his own book glued to his little face. Friends, it's confirmation enough for me-that books delight and enrich us!

I knew that if the festival event planners needed a report card or an indicator for sucess, they only needed to visually survey the park particpants and note that practically everyone gleefully held several books; free books of their own choosing. Books that they'd take home and call their own! I contend that indeed the 2009 Life Through Literature Festival was a super success! Job well done!

Shared in Joy,

Linda Mose Meadows, Author & Columnist

The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons

And God's Promises (Tate Publishing, Nov.2007)

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

ADDING INSULT TO INJURY, REMEMBERING DEMON ALBERT

By Charles Rex Arbogast, AP
Shoes placed atop school desks are part of a memorial to 20 Chicago Public School students

killed by gunfire since last September, displayed at a rally in downtown Chicago April 1.

My stomach was in knots yesterday morning as I mentally recounted the horrific news heard on Black America Web of the young man; a child really, 16 year old Demon Albert an Honors student navigating his way through what must have been a living hell! A hell, an animalistic saga which violently targeted anyone in its path.

It‘s a nightmare just to hear of this victimization-the brutal beating of this beloved young man headed home. Can you just imagine the promise and hope that Demon’s folks had for his future? And what of his own aspirations; possibly he dreamt of becoming a pharmacist, a chemist, a teacher, a musician, an anthropologist, an architect, and a loving parent? I don’t know? But I do realize that scholars are on a mission envisioning a life of promise. Yes, he was robbed of the opportunity to live out his destiny. Walking home from school?

Lord today what a tragedy!

Yesterday, I opted not to watch the news clips, or Google the “bystander’s” video and then share this horror in an email. I didn’t tout my outrage and trade messages with my online friends. Instead I purposely ignored the news and went about my workday, wondering when is this madness going to end? This self hated; this violence, and these out of control inhumane, despicable acts that fracture and break down countless families and communities.

The violence is holding us hostage and strangling the life out of us.

How could school be the wrong place! It’s disheartening, truly sad that here’s another dreaded statistic, a “man child” murdered at the hands of his peers. This must not become another urban “story” that numbs our psyches and makes us feel hopeless and indifferent. Yes, shaking our heads in disgust and wondering what ever happened to valuing life can’t only be the answer for addressing this may lay! Our kids life shouldn’t be in vain. Our family faced this dreaded consequence; my step son, Courtney suffered death at the hands of another young person. This is so raw, so brutal! Oh it’s easy to get angry at the police, the schools, the government, the nebulous moral decay, the underfunded scholastic programs, the absence of what? Well friends, you fill in the blank_______.

But who’s to blame, where’s the solution? I am not sure, but our children can’t thrive in chaotic environments. Young men like Courtney and Demon, and the college kids massacred in a play ground during their summer vacation, and the young girls assaulted, and toddlers tortured and the kids tainted, in Washington, DC, Rockville, Chicago, Buffalo, Fort Worth, Peoria, West Chester County, Douglasville, and Water Town are dying in droves. Pick up the papers, click on the news, it’s the headliner news!

I am praying pray that this nation, this community awakes and understands that although we are focused on a possible pandemic, right here and now we are plagued with an epidemic! It’s tragic and our children are dying, dying at the hands of their peers. This is warfare, spiritual and natural!

I am praying for a change in the land and action of a unified cause to address and eradicate this senselessness because right now it’s just insult added to injury when the victims are buried and the perpetrators are tried as adult offenders. And the bloodshed continues! Nothing good results, the pain is simply compounded.

I am praying that the Lord gives us wisdom on what to do!



Friends I want to believe we are supposed to change things for the better, not simply chant, “Stop the Violence”, then bolt our doors, and activate our burglar alarms. Maybe we could start with community organizations like Back to Basics which can point the way? It’s time!

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Demon Albert; may God comfort you during this very difficult time.

Shared in Love,
Linda Mose Meadows, Author & Columnist
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

AUTHOR, LINDA MEADOWS FEATURED ON KIRKLAND'S CORNER RADIO SHOW ~ WUFO 1080

Linda Meadows greets Mr. Ted Kirkland after breakfast @

GiGi's Soul Food Restaurant in Buffalo, NY

To everything there is a season..

Ecclesiastes 3:1

As a Buffalonian you cherish WUFO 1080 "on your radio dial !" I recall daily we listented to R & B preparing to make my way to school, learn about celebrated snow days, community happenings, historic and/or breaking news events. This station remains commited to serving the community. It's no wonder our household had our radio dials set on 1080 WUFO!

While in Buffalo this past summer, we grabbed breakfast at GiGi's Soul Food Restaurant. It's in the heart of the East Side and is frequented by a steady stream of soul food lovers. Haven't seen some friends in a while, just stop by GiGi's! They are sure to come through! This would be our farewell meal with family until our next return trip. Naturally we ran into folks we know and love.

Who cared that a 12 hour drive was ahead of us? Our restaurant stay extended until we'd kissed our circle of loved ones and said goodbye for a third time. I kid you not. God would have it that before Ricky and I finally left,we'd bump into Mr. Kirkland-a noted Community Builder and Trailblazer. He also was having breakfast with friends. His greeting was warm and he was his wonderful self. I shared my book news, and as they say, " The rest is history!" True to his word he read my devotional from cover to cover and had high praise for this work. I am humbled by his acceptance and affirmation of my devotional.

Several Tuesdays ago, I sat at my desk in Hampton, VA during my "work day" lunch hour, had an interview with Mr. Kirkland on Kirkland's Corner ! Yes, imagine I was being interviewed on our home town radio show-WUFO 1080 The Spirit of Western NY !

I got over being nervous, forgot my talking points and a flood gate of wonderful memories were released! I just couldn't contain my joy!

I relished the gift of sharing and celebrating some significant milestones that God's grace ushered me through! Thanks to my friend Drusilla she listened intently on the internet and digitally taped the show. You'll even hear me knocking on her door-oops. My interview concluded, but you could still hear the broadcast. But, all in all, this has been an awesome highlight in my modest literary stint. Sharing with all of Western New York and Mr. Kirkland/WUFO about The Blesssedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises is truly a divine happening. God orchastrated this, like only he can! I am greatful for the amazing technology, the fine folks at WUFO and my friend Drusilla for her techno expertise.

I count it a joy and an honor that the Lord above would provide such an opportunity! I especially thank him for allowing me to cross Mr. Kirkland's path on a Sunday afternoon in my hometown of Buffalo, NY after dining on grits with cheese, turkey sausage links, prefectly scrambled eggs, and I forgot a piece of beautifully fried chicken. I shared it reluctantly ! Did I mention toast with strawberry jam? Makes you appreciate home right?

That's why we call it "home, sweet home!" Thank you Lord!

Shared in Love,

Linda Mose Meadows, Author & Columnist

The Blessedness of Believing

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

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

LIFE CAN BE GOLDEN!

Beautiful! Backgrounds 1 by: Earnest Graham

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
Psalm 31:24

Come on friends, let's act like we know! Know-realize and relish in the fact that life can be "Golden", no matter what the News Reporter's forecast or how we're feeling. Yes, feelings of good, bad or indifferent! God is the same yesterday, today and through eternity. Wonderful, Counselor, Healer, Friend, Lord and Savior. Jesus! Jesus!

God is ever present, He's with us! Celebrate this day and know that you know, life is "Golden", for sure! Sing a new heart song and be assured!

Love to Jill Scott for always keeping it up tempo! Have a blessed day my friends!

Songtress Jill Scott singing Golden!

Joyfully Submitted by :

Linda Mose Meadows, Author & Columnist

The Blessedness of Believing

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

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/