WRITERS ON THURSDAYS~ A NEW PROGRAM SERIES

“I am a part of all that I have met.”

—Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809-1892); British Poet Laureate

Foundations For A Better Life Quote of the Day 10/24/08

Not that long ago my cousin Omar and I were chatting about self improvement activities we should engage in. He loves Toast Master’s and I immediately piped up that I felt that that was an excellent opportunity to learn how to be an engaging and effective speaker. That’s on my future to-do list.

Truthfully, Omar speaks quite well in my estimation and does easily engage you when he’s conversing. He loves the commrodre, challenge and mentally stimulating exercise-the personal and professonal benefits are tremendous. That must have been my divine cue-to step it up and seek out what I long to do. I agreed that I should do more by way of joining a book club, a literary society, writer’s group; something that instilled personal growth. It's not bad for the selfesteem either. I imagined how rewarding it would be to knitted together in a literary circle. I am convinced that the very act of speaking my heart's desire caused it to be birthed in the natural. Not exactly right away, but the realization –the birth of what I was yearning for came!

And I am delighted to share that one of the very best things I could have ever done for myself was follow-through on an invitation to join a writer’s group at Hampton’s Public Library.

In the past when an similar opportunity came knocking, I shied away. My excuses were many: the driving distance was too much, the hour too late, the day of the week inconvenient and so it went. You know how we can do when we are timid, uncertain, worried-whatever you wish to pen it-yep AFRAID! This time when the invitation was extended, I was willing (I recalled my conversation with Omar)! I told myself that no matter what other family and work responsibilities existed this was something that I really needed to do for me-join a supportive writer's group. “Thank God I didn’t talk myself out of this wonderful gift of attending the Writers on Thursdays program series for “every writer every Thursday, every month October 2008-June 2009:” This group is held 6:30 pm EST conveniently at the:

Hampton Public Library
4207 Victoria Blvd.
Hampton,VA. 23669
(757) 727-1154

The Weekly Sessions are:
1st Thursday, Writer’s on Writing
2nd Thursday Kinship of Authors
3rd Thursday, Writers on Writing
4th Thursday, Thursday Open Mic

You’ll have the benefit of learning so much at these gatherings (acceptance and coonfirmation in this writer’s community). Meet those equally passionate about prose, their calling, their gift(s) and just enjoy the sheer synergy of being connected with other writers.

Let me encourage you to step confidently through the library doors and walk pass the book shelves-enter the meeting room (enthusiastically ) join us, there's no prerequisites, no mandated genres, no dues/fees and no age limit; just bring an ear to hear, an accepting spirit and a heart to share with other fervent writers what’s been deposited into your spirit. Imagine, it’s absolutely free! Come on and embrace the gift!

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

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19227137/?story=king1

SOMETIMES WE HAVE TO ENCOURAGE OURSELVES

You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand.”
www.forabetterlife.org
—Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924), 28th U.S. President

Thanks to the quote of the day from Foundations For A Better Life. This inspirational quote also encouraged my heart. Admittedly, I am upset, yes really angry, but understand that I can’t let these frustrations hinder my goals (as I prepared for work this morning-that thought layed heavy on my mind)-yes we’ve got to speak life into our situations and encourage ourselves during those instances. I truly am internalizing that now!

I was blown away when I discovered I couldn’t enter my personal email, only to discover that hackers, thieves, and bandits whatever you wish to call these folks. My husband informed me that a relative phoned him and wondered if I were ok? I was puzzled by the inquiry and continued on with work. I then received an email which made it very clear. Apparently the hackers sent all my e-contacts a letter indicating that I was stranded in England (a place I’ve yet to visit), lost my wallet (heaven forbid) and needed a great sum of money to return to the US. The suggested way I was allegedly going to return home was by my contacts going to Western Union wiring money.

Lord knows my heart hurts just to share this nonsense! It’s a SCAM!! A LIE, FRAUD! This fabulous and elaborate tale was shared with all my family, friends, new contacts, colleagues and whoever received this contrived mess! They must still be scratching their heads! I’ve requested from HOT MAIL that this account be disabaled-certaintly I can’t use it, but I want the crooks stopped because they are sending messages with my name attached. Oh I pray that others can see through this lie!

Friends I want vindication, I want an immediate resolution, certainly I don’t want my character maligned or integrity questioned. I’ve contacted the proper authorities and taken measures to contact law enforcement, Western Union, Hot Mail, etc., etc! But the truth is: just maybe I will miss seeing the crooks apprehended, just possibly this matter of closing out my hotmail account will take longer than I had hoped for- (automated messages seem to be protocol-I’ve been unable to speak with a human being) and just possibly some unsuspecting soul is being set up now and they too will suffered through the uncertainty of having their email compromised and identity stolen!

Friends, safeguard your identity as best you can. Google sites that educate you about combating identity fraud. But more importantly know that God still sits on the throne and cares about what concerns us! Take heart, share your frustrations with Him, don’t abandon your dreams and visions. Don’t be consumed by the evil, breathe! And take comfort- trust that what the enemy meant for our demise, well God meant it for your good! Tuck this scripture in your heart and move on! We will be all right!!

"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." Jeremiah 29:11

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/

JON ONYE LOCKARD~GREAT & ANOINTED VISIONS

We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,

which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10

“The need for devotion to something outside ourselves is even more profound than the need for companionship. If we are not to go to pieces or wither away, we must have some purpose in life; for no man can live for himself alone.”
—Ross Parmenter; writer, anthropologist
Foundationforabetterlife.org

I literally felt the urgency to attend this awe inspiring art exhibit of Jon Lockard’s Reclamation, Reconstruction and Reaffirmation at Hampton University. And quickly understood why I just couldn’t conclude my work day and arrive at the exhibit fast enough! God had something wonderful in store for me and others on that particular evening! My spirit, oh my soul, my eyes, my heart delighted in this masterful work that was presented on the evening of September 26, 2008. As you entered the exhibit “Lord Take My Hand” was the first piece which clearly opened the way for guests. How appropriate –it set the stage for not only a tremendous evening but for all guests ushered into the gallery.

As I witnessed gallery guests appreciating this masterful exhibit, I too was in that number! I could feel the depth and compassion of not only the painter but easily embrace the subject matter of Reclamation, Reconstruction and Reaffirmation. I didn’t have to just appreciate the art; I could visibly witness the artist’s humbly interacting and greeting those that realized that Jon Onye Lockard was present- in the gallery. Yes friends, he was in the house! I hope his wife also felt the esteem, the admiration and the appreciation that was directed toward her amazing husband. The contemporary, “renaissance griot” was present and had so much on his mind and heart.

It was evening to become saturated with the artist and all of the pearls of wisdom he imparted. He praised his mentor John Biggers and saluted his contemporaries- their artistic works adorned the halls of the Hampton University Museum,also. For a moment he lead in praise and worship! The atmosphere was ripe with thanksgiving! He shared that he had had an opportunity to see his comrades, his teachers and mentors work in the gallery earlier that day. his heart and mind couldn't fathom that this opportunity was being realized. This was hallow ground! We all chuckled, but understood his sincerity when he remarked that he was “afraid to go to sleep because surely I must have died and gone to heaven-I might not wake up.” He further commented, “You all have no idea!” He closed his eyes for a brief moment and I knew that He was praising God for that joy and that moment in which he was allowed to experience and to live see that day.

Truth be told we were blessed for being in his presence and Haki Madhubuti’s (Essayist, Poet, CEO and founder of Third World Press, Distinguished University Professor, founder and director emeritus of the Gwendolyn Brooks Center for Black Literature and Creative Writing and director of the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program at Chicago State Univ ) poem which was presented to Jon Lockard resonated with that truth. Great love was expressed for Jon’s dedication to awakening our consciousness and instilling pride across the nation through his artistic master pieces.

As Jon sat on a stool the listeners were spell bound with his lecture as he shared his story through poetry, stirring gospel music, and a video chronicling our/his African and American Legacy and his interpretations of survival, love, triumph and ultimately realizing was it meant to be an artist-a painter passionate about life! Painting gave Jon's living new meaning! Certainly this man appreciates and realizes how God has anointed him to share his gift, address the divine that resides in us and to celebrate our humanity and dignity. I felt a greater since of pride and appreciation of my African and American heritage,ancestry and can’t stop praising God for an awesome evening.

I pray you’ll have an opportunity to visit the Hampton University Museum or visit an exhibit of Jon’s work in your community.

Take a moment, behold and enjoy Visions of Destiny, Inc. http://www.jononye.com/

My prayer of thanksgiving:

Thank you Lord for providing us with Jon’s celebration of masterful art work of our humanity and his inner vision of your beauty and love towards us! May he live to know our appreciation of him and continue realize even greater goodness in his life,. Bless his wife, family and his worthy endeavors! Glory to your name! Amen.

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

BOOKS A MILLION (HAMPTON,VA.) THIS DAY WAS EVIDENT OF AN OUTPOURING OF GOD'S LOVE

THE LOVE OF GOD AWAITS US

Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.-
1 John 3:18

For me and several of my close friends we concurred that this day it was evident that we witnessed an outpouring of God's love. It really was another opportunity to celebrate GOD’S goodness, live out my dreams and meet more book lovers searching out the isles for a their book(s) of choice, possibly a sports magazine, a gift book, an inspirational book, a favorite author or just hoping to stumble upon a new literary discovery. And God would have it that yours truly would be seated near the front door this Saturday afternoon, with a smile of course- urging the prospective customer to come and see what I believed could encourage them on their life’s journey!! I prayed that my devotional would be their great find pf the day! It’s a I can’t contain this new kind of energy/joy that causes me to stand, walk around the tables, hug the customers, laugh out loud, really loud and in celebration announce in a rather loud tone of voice “Yes, I am the author, let me share with you how my book was birthed and the intent behind the title: The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises.” Surprisingly people indulge me. :-)

Here are some of the customer, well wishers and store Managers that added the devotional to their personal libraries. They have no idea how honored I feel by their support

It makes my heart leap when friends enter the front doors, moments after I arrive at the bookstore to celebrate God's faithfulness through the publication of my devotional and then they proceed to share with others about the life changing messages that are contained in the devotionals.

God has done it again shown His love and consideration for all of us. But also, I do believe that if you look closely it’s evident that I am a good example of how He’ll stretch us and allow us to survive personal storms and live to tell about it and marvel at the outcome. Like the sweet little baby coming through the door happily waving, smiling and running towards me caused me to giggle with sheer joy. She didn’t know me, but I sure was delighted with her enthusiasm to see me. I knew it was a divine confirmation and a beautiful gift from God to be assured that even in the most unlikely places of our lives- the love of God nurtures us, overtakes us, surprises us and blesses us as we embrace the newness of life.

Thank you Lord, for you love awaits us! Have a great day my friends.

Linda Mose Meadows

BREAKTHROUGHS DO COME

Breakthroughs Do Come

May our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father,

who loved us and in his special favor gave us everlasting comfort and good hope,

comfort your hearts and give you strength in every good thing you do and say.

2TH 2:16,17 (NLT)

So much is happening in our lives. I heard TD Jakes say this morning never in his entire life has he seen such dire economic times. We are all living with this reality of a tough time. The plunging stock market, our tight paychecks and absent retirement plans are resounding indicators that we can’t place our trust in chariots or men. There’s such an economic burden on families that it’s bursting the fabric of an already frayed institution. What is that you ask? Why it’s our precious families? The cost of living is sky rocketing, our kids are faced, no they are bombarded with such demonic messages with perverse undertones in videos, slick advertisements, and dare we not leave out the internet. Oh there’s good to be learned and appreciated in our techno savvy world, but daily we all face the challenge of staying afloat and holding on to vestiges of our humanity, upholding our sanctity for life, reverence for God and yes our sanity in really a very insane world.

I heard someone say: “But God!”

I thank God that Wall Street, nor the negativity that attempts to penetrate our airwaves, our lives and ultimately slips under our door ceils, can monolopolize our Hope.

As I zoomed down the highway I witnessed a stream of sunlight breaking through the gray puffy clouds. I knew that moment was for us. Hold on to your faith and remember that no matter the gray and dreary predictions that’s not the final authority/word. The Son of God JESUS and the SUN/the fruit of the spirit: (faith, joy, peace, love, [victory], [patience]) can penetrate our lives! The Son Of God is our protector; God’s word is our sword and shield.

As for God, his way is perfect. All the Lord's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? God arms me with strength; he has made my way safe. He makes me as surefooted as a deer, leading me safely along the mountain heights. Psalm 18:30-33

I’d like to believe that this is another moment to stop and reflect on how faithful and sovereign our Lord and Savior is. There is an everlasting hope, a change agent a rock of Gibraltar which will anchor us, shore us up and beacon us to His green pastures and we can take heart that a breakthrough is eminent! Just you wait and see; the sun does surely shine!!!

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/

AN AMAZING DAY AT TOWN POINT PARK ~ 3rd ANNUAL SUNRISE TO SUNSET ACOUSTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL & BOOKS IN THE PARK

Of course you know me by now? I just can't keep a good thing to myself. Instead of recreating the wheel with a new post, I simply inserted the photos that we enjoyed taking of the authors, book lovers, writers and the ODU Mascot ! Why I didn't capture the musicians, well you know? I was caught up in the atmosphere of meeting fellow commorades and did I ever enjoy it!! During the week I'll be sure to introduce you to several outstanding authors that I had the pleasure of meeting. As they say, I'll introduce to some and present to others those that also seemed to be enjoying this wonderful Sunday afternoon at Town Point Park. I am extremely grateful to have been apart of such a superb day!! Music and books what a novel idea! Can't wait till next year!

Joyfully Sharing! 9/28/2008

Linda Mose Meadows, author

The Blessedness of Believing

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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

3rd Annual Sunrise to Sunset Acoustic Music Festival
Sunrise to Sunset Acoustic Music Festival & Books in The Park

http://www.festeventsva.org/events.php?event=123

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Time: 6 am - 8 pm Admmission: Free & Everyone Welcome!

The 3rd Annual AT&T Sunrise to Sunset Acoustic Music Festival in partnership with 93.7 BOB FM is back for its third year, showcasing twelve hours of twenty plus “free casual concerts” on four outdoor stages from 6 am to 8 pm.

Sunrise to Sunset will feature national recording artists, Eddie From Ohio (5:15 pm – 6:15 pm) and Old Crow Medicine Show (6:45 pm – 8:00 pm) in addition to many local and regional favorites. (See below for full performance schedules). BOB FM’s Hunter Hughes’ Sunrise on Sundays will get the morning started, broadcasting live from Town Point Park beginning at 6:00 am.

Town Point Park becomes an incredible outdoor coffee house and café, offering comfortable shaded seating areas, and plenty of room for lawn chairs and blankets. This year’s festival will enhance its coffee house feel by adding Perking on the Point, a FREE coffee sampling, hosted by seven local coffee houses beginning at 10 am. Coffee connoisseurs will sip on specialty brews.

In addition to great coffee, guests that visit in the morning hours will be able to purchase food selections from a continental breakfast menu and, as morning turns to afternoon, gourmet picnic items will be available.

Of course, traditional Sunday brunch “adult" beverages, wine and beer will all be offered for purchase throughout the day.

Sunrise to Sunset Acoustic Music Festival is spreading its arms in 2008, adding Books in the Park produced in partnership with Barnes and Noble at Tidewater Community College. This brand new festival addition will host local and regional authors whose genres include; Children, Teen, Mystery, Romance, Virginia History, Poetry, Self Help, Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Science Fiction. The books featured at the festival will be available for purchase and authors will be on hand to autograph purchased copies.

Books in the Park Time: Beginning at 12 pm Location: Town Point Park, Downtown Norfolk, VA – next to the Waterside Festival Market Place, you'll be able to find me at the outdoor Barnes & Noble Book Store. Table 17!

Admission: Free & Everyone is Welcome

High Noon Stage Open Mic Session 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Open Mic - 9:00 am Sign Up..Space Availability Limited

Special Notes: Lawn chairs, picnic blankets and coolers (no glass or alcohol permitted) are welcome.