Blessed In Rough Times!

Hibiscus II Photography by Taylor Meadows 2008

“Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I
satisfy him, and show him my salvation.” saith the Lord.
Psalm 91:14-16

My son phoned from his internship today with that frantic undertone in his voice. My mother instinct kicked in when I heard his voice. He tried to mask it with a cordial “Hi Mom!” but I knew better.

Finally we got to the heart of the matter, he needed money for food and I really don’t have to tell you that it was only several days ago that my paycheck was received and now there is little indication in my account that I was even paid.

I honored his request the way most of our parents do and sailed to the convenient branch banking location in my neighborhood supermarket to deposit something in his account. "Thank you Lord God!"

I chatted with my favorite Bank Teller/Manager and after we discussed favorite travel spots, she too got to the heart of the matter- the words fell from her lips, I am sure unexpectantly, that her husband was returning to the Middle East for his third tour of duty. I learned that after I inquired had he already been? My heart sank when she shared a faint smile. This smile belied the apparent truth that her heart was very heavy about her husband's approaching departure date. I promised I pray for them.

After leaving the bank/supermarket with a few grocery items that had shot up in price in a weeks time, I just shook my head in amazement. There was one more stop before going home. I drove to my neighborhood Shoe Repair Shop that had not been maintaining their usual business hours. I quickly ran in the shop surprised that the door was ajar and wondered why there had been a sign on the door with the handwritten words Closed for several weeks?

The young proprietor confessed in an apologetic tone that his family was facing difficulty and he worked elsewhere during the day. He shared that financially they were having difficulty with their mortgage and his elderly mother now covered the shop. Once again I knew well about mortgage woes.

But friends what really resonated in my spirit was when the young man said, "But it’s going to be all right I guess!”

Without a doubt these are some of the most difficult times that this many people have encountered simultaneously in a while. It feels like more than a pinch, it’s often a strangle hold to stay afloat making a living. Yes, indeed it’s rough-it’s real, it’s personal hardships on an intimate level! But as our elders say,

"But God!" God’s word reminds us that He loves us, you-his children; no matter the heartship, and the tumultuous hardships. With God's protection daily we can abide under His care: His Lordship, His deliverance and most assuredly His love and shelter will protect us even in the rough places.

Hang on friends and take to heart the scripture:

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is [our] my refudge and [our] my fortress [our] my God in who I trust.”
Psalm 91:1,2

Joyfully Submitted by:

Linda Mose Meadows, author

The Blessedness of Believing

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

Enjoy other writings Click on Blessed Chronicles http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

Wonderful Book Signing @ B. Dalton, Saturday, June 28th at The Chesapeake Square Mall-Chesapeake, VA.

Often the week preceding a book signing I have mixed emotions, I am nervous, excited and really thrilled! I intentionally begin to redirect that energy and begin to block those feelings with thoughts of more immediate tasks with of course,a long to-do-list. Really, I don't mind that I am s then often too preoccupied with work and home obligations to think about another opportunity too live out my heart' s desire. But it does happen! Oh friends, Saturday does come and then as the afternoon approaches joy and nervousness are dualing head-on. The best medicine I know is prayer, prayer for guidance, and prayer that this moment is just how God would have it. And prayer that I'll meet some folks that will benefit from my journey and be blessed by what God has created me for!

This past Saturday was no exception with the butterflies in the stomach! But God, yes he again demonstrated His awesome faithfulness through the love shown from those that sweetly supported my dream, encouraged me to continue writing and also purchased my devotional at B. Dalton's Chesapeake Square Mall location. I hadn't invited a soul I knew and consequently I had no idea whom I 'd be introduced to. My focus has changed from will my friends come? To whom will God send. As Max Lucado reminds us in his writings, it's not about me! Jesus that's the focal point. I understand this is a divine exercise.

It thrills me to report that B. Dalton had sold many of my books prior to my arrival and the remaining books that were left were acquired by some very wonderful people including an adorable little reader and her mother-a promising young college student. Needless to say my spirit was soaring and my heart glad! I praise God for the many acts of kindness! This again is a testament that God's goodness speaks volumes in our lives. I pray you too will continue to marvel at all He does on your behalf as you embrace your dreams and faithfully live out your Saturday mornings.

Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's well-being. I Corinthians 10:24

Joyfully Submitted by: Linda Mose Meadows, author

The Blessedness of Believing

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

Enjoy other writings Click on Blessed Chronicles

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

IN ARM'S REACH

“Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead. ”—Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888), novelist (www.Forbetterlife.org)

There it was, plump and waddling around my front yard in plain sight. I glanced at it as I ran towards my car in a dash for my morning commute. I commented to myself that that seemed odd that normally when you approach a bird; it flutters away quickly -but not this little creature. Instead it reminded me of a toddler amiably moving around with no real destination, just glad to be moving, delighted with its new found freedom ,walking and stumbling with out the assistance of an eagle eye parent.

Then when I returned home, I noticed again the same little chick hopping around on the bricks. It wasn’t until the very next day that as I walked once again down my driveway to jump in my parked car that I glanced at the bird and then it occurred to me this was our baby-I was sure of it. As my husband stood in the doorway I called back, “Hey that’s our baby bird!” Several days prior to that I hadn’t really grasped that this was really a gift from God-in arm’s length!
As I reflect back, first it was the discovery of the beautiful Robin’s eggs displayed in the nest in our backyard-but now this was even better-the eggs had hatched and the dream, the long awaited arrival of the chicks had occurred and I had been totally oblivious of their birth and this divine wonder-well almost.

It’s no happen stance that today’s inspirational quote would tug on my heart strings and remain etched in my memory. As I read Exodus 17 and could picture the travelers weary and grumbling, Louise May Alcott’s words must have mirrored the sentiment of Moses. to look up and live, instead of looking out and grumbling.

“Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead. ”
—Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888), novelist (http://www.forbetterlife.org/)

Often I too have been guilty of being oblivious of many of life’s lessons until well after the situation had concluded and the smoke cleared. I regret not embracing the gift of God’s grace (more) readily and honestly appreciating the (particular) trial, the (uninvited) circumstance, the(embarrassing) difficulty, the (long awaited and timely) blessing, the (tough) learning experience-whatever you wish to call it more sooner than later.

What might have happened had I been appreciative of the learning experience in the midst of it all? This must be what folks mean when they say; we should thank God while we are “going through” being pulled and shaped on the potter’s wheel during our uncomfortable valley experiences!

Be assured that we are all experts about trials, but I’d like to think that God wants us to be cognizant on this day-that so many gifts from God/blessings are in our midst, yes, right there before us! Theses blessings are like my baby chick –visible- and in arms reach, in direct view. I am sure that the Holy Spirit is sharing that with our new mind set we’ll negate our obstructed view and won’t loose sight of the divine gift that is presented to us.

I think you’ll agree that when the truth is told, we’re audibly or inaudibly caught up in our grumbling, sulking, hurting, rushing and consequently we fail to appreciate the beauty of the moment. Do you recall my bird’s nest in Expectant Joy? Well, I really appreciated the gift of the bird’s nest that was so symbolic for me. It represented so much: birth, new beginnings, expectant joy, blessings on the way, the good that was on the horizon, God’s gift’s and promises to come and on and on-but then even with that epiphany I missed it!

Yes, I needed to believe-get my faith in gear and mentally grasp the next level! What might that be you ask? I am glad you asked I believe the answer is: That God really had intended that my joy and yours evolve and spill over into something greater and erupt into our paying attention to all the blessings which are in arm's reach!!

Did I really think that I‘d behold the blessings in my own front yard? Nope! I almost missed that wonder.

Take some time and read Exodus 17, I expect that you’ll appreciate your wilderness experiences all the more and like Moses acknowledge God’s provision of resources, support and favor designed especially for the faint of heart and the weary traveler.

So, friends look outside your tents, go on and pull back your curtains, better yet stand in your front yards and behold what blessings are in your arm's reach!!! Have a wonderful day!

I will meet you by the rock at Mount Sinai. Strike the rock, and the water will come pouring out. then the people will be able to drink.” Moses did just as he was told;and as the leaders looked on water gushed out.” Exodus 17:6 (NLT)

Joyfully Submitted by:

Linda Mose Meadows, author

The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lesson’s and God’s Promises

Enjoy other writings Click on Blessed Chronicles

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

A Great Afternoon Book Signing at Walden Books Chesapeake Square Mall Portsmouth, VA

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…”

(I Thessalonians 5:11).

I read a timely devotional from Joel Osteen that has encouraged all of us to be people builders. I knew that that was a confirmation from God and that I am on the right track. I love that thought because I know very well what an act of kindness can do to promte us and give us the validation and encouragment needed to run this "race"! Kisses on my forehead, prayers lifted up on the behalf of others, helping hands, listening ears, acts of kidness ease many burdens that aren't readily apparent to the naked eye. So I take to heart the importance of lifting up another. I hope you'll join me on the assignment of encouraging others, giving forward and remembering to do a kind gesture for someone outside of our familiar circles.

For the last two book signings I have witnessed an extraordinary occurance of people bulding each other up! There are others that have embraced this philosophy and are active participants.

Each time the giver makes no grand display, but it's apparent that what has occured is an awesome thing!

Someone will purchase one or several devotionals and then place one in the hands of another-they will present a gift to a complete stranger, someone admiring the cover but possibly unable to acquire the book or present the devotional to someone entering the book store oblivious to my booksigning event. At first the recipient is startled but quickly bounces back from the realization that they are being presented with a gift, an unexpected pleasant surprise. The receiver's face says it all- "Hey I was in the right place at the perfect time. Thank you God!"

It makes me smile because I am witnessing with the receiver an act of love and kindenss. No strings attached, no gimicks! I know you realize that the giver and receiver are partaking in a real blessing!

God is working through all of us and has given each of us blessings and gifts enough to share. So on this day let's declare to be more vigilant about building up others, if it's no more than a smile and an encouraging word we can be confident that it will go a very long way. We too can actively sowing seeds to build up another living soul. Yes, friends come on and join me in being a builder of people and don't be hesitant about the scripture that encourages us to " let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."Matthew 5:16

Joyfully Sharing~

Linda Mose Meadows

BLESSED AND SURVIVING

PHOTO FROM THE BUFFALO CHALLENGER NEWSPAPER

And they have defeated him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of their testimony. Revelation 12:11 (NLT)

Oh my friends the past news of the Katrina victims and now more recent news regarding the earthquake in China and people suffering in our own backyard not many days ago can be disheartening! First in the distance air there was a sound of a freight train- that some described and moments later a tornado ripped through the Suffolk communities’ landscape and toppled homes. They were demolished in moments- the sturdy structures where now piles of timber and tooth picks-some even said they saw heavy steel trucks and cars being picked up with a gush of wind with ease. But thank goodness storms do cease!

We’ve all being transformed and battled daily with some really unnerving storms in our lives. Some have been our emotional storms, others have faced sickness in their bodies and some have had the actual physical storms in the environment. I can’t say that one is any better than the other. Much to our dismay it might have blind sided us, knocked us for a loop- but in the end if we are alive to tell the story we too are standing and have risen from the ashes like a phoenix.

I love this picture of my family, which is my sweet mother in law, wonderful sister in law and jewel of an aunt.

They are triumphant! Not only are they beautiful, their faith carries them the distance.

Yep they’ve encounter the blow of cancer each of them, but they are the poster women of victory!!! They are survivors, each has their own testimony, and first hand knowledge of what it means to be in a personal battle, a real health storm.


What I love and marvel at is they are here to share their story-tell the story like only they can. I am sure you too have a survival testimony?

How wonderful to know that our lives, our circumstances don’t dictate the outcomes. I praise God for each of them, And for you who are also survivors. The enemy has no monopoly over them, and over us. Go on and smile, show the world that we are over comers by our testimonies even with a handkerchief in our pockets.

As we excavate the land, dig through the rubble reclaiming our lives, our loved ones, our loss and our joy, and our possessions we are reassured that definite blessings await us!

Sing your victory song friends and know that God delights in blessing His own!

Joyfully Submitted by:

Linda Mose Meadows, author

The Blessedness of Believing

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

Enjoy other writings click on Blessed Chronicles

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

Celebrating and Sharing the Good News at Barnes and Noble, MacArthur Mall Norfolk VA