A NEW HOLIDAY TRADITION- NATIONAL DAY OF LISTENING

StoryCorps National Day of Listening

Consider this a Blessedness of Believing Public Service Announcement-

IT WAS SHARED WITH ME AND I CAN’T KEEP IT TO MYSELF! I EARNESTLY THINK THIS IS A TREMENDOUS IDEA FOR ARCHIVING MEMORABLE FAMILY MOMENTS AND HAVING A BALL BEING WITH YOUR LOVED ONES, THIS IS A MUST HAVE KEEPSAKE! START A FAMILY TRADITION.

National Public Radio's StoryCore

proclaimed

Friday , November 28,

the

National Day of Listening.

All are invited to dedicate time to interview and listen to each other, ezpecially family and to record (video, audio, MP3, etc. ) wonderful rememberances of history, stories , songs ect. of the moments that impacted life. Visit this website and the links: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97338482

for more imformation.

I am sure that this promises to be a family tradition that your loved ones will gladly wish to celebrate over and over again!

Smiling and Submitted by~

Linda Mose Meadows, author

The Blessedness of Believing

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

(Tate Publishing, Mov. 2007)

Enjoy other writings:

Click on Blessed Chronicles http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

HAVING A HEART OF THANKSGIVING~ LORD I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU!

The Sovereign LORD is my strength!

He will make me as surefooted as a deer [fn] and bring me safely over the mountains…
Hab 3:19

Audibly this prayer may have been much too long to share during Sunday’s service not to mention the awkward glares that I may have received for “this display.” it makes me chuckle at the thought. I am not sure if over the top is how it may have been perceived had I begun with my own litany of thanksgiving, hopefully someone would follow my example and not leave me hanging out there alone. As we move closer to Thursday and my realization that I’ll see my family on their own turf, really does make my heart sing one of those numbers where you make up the words cus you're just that excited. It seems only fitting to say, “Lord I just want to thank you!” So to honor God and this Season of Thanksgiving let me just share my heart:

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Lord you are truly remarkable- I thank you for many things and especially your acts of mercy that I publically attest to; it’s a blessing to be alive and know you for myself. My heart leaps for joy-you not only care for me, but what concerns me.

You are my very breathe. I sense your presence

and

power in my life even on days when I have the blues.

Thank you for your Holy Scripture.

I would be a mess without your direction.

You are a wonderful and remarkable- a mighty force in our lives.

Holy, attentive, loving and reverent don’t adequately acknowledge all that you are.

When I wondered if I loose my faith and way, leaving my comfort zone in Buffalo, New York you answered me through scripture, inspirational music, encouraging books and the love of others-you kept me/us.

Ultimately my devotional was birthed: The Blessedness of Believing

A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises-it really did happen in my valley experiences.

I am thankful for your favor.

I am living out my heart’s desire.

Yes, I am encouraged!

I blow kisses of gratitude to you Lord!

This prayer is a testament that you are my living anchor.

My soul is revived when I think about what could have been!

When I wondered about my Mama and Granny’s needs-

you reached out your mighty arm of protection

and

provided them with a circle of loved ones and resources.

I am humbled, none of the good that has been bestowed upon them

could have occurred without you!

Lord I bless your name!

My heart is overflowing with gratitude for the evidence of your presence in all of our lives : my brother and sister friends, especially my brother’s who are loving father’s and husband’s, the scholarships received for Mary and Michael,

the Counseling and Grieving Ministry for Ricky,

my trusted old car that continues to operate-moving me down the highway,

my brilliant God children, nieces, and nephews.

Jesus, Jesus you are Emmanuel, El Shaddi, Our Savior, Our Friend, Provider and Our Comforter.

Thank you for your rod and staff that comfort us and admonish me to live

and

not die in the wilderness.

Lord I am grateful for this season of hope and change

and

how you’ve allowed us to witness the outpouring of your never ending love!

Let me never forget to let my light shine

and

do great good as I reach out to others in your honor.

I bind all hindering spirits from my divine appointment and declare that Yes I believe in your power and word.

I’ll keep my eyes on you.

Lord I just want to thank you!

Amen!

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/

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.
Phl 4:8

YouTube Christian Music Video with Alvin Slughter and colleagues

There’s much that can befuddle and have us feeling so out of sorts, I mean terribly bad about life and the matters that effect us, our families, friends, the global community, the struggles at home, the craziness on the job and confusion in many schools and lest we not forget the economy! As some folks say” What in the world!” That simply implies that much of what’s going on makes no sense to them at all! I just wish the 24 hour news stations highlighted more of the flip side-the brighter side instead of the “flops” that keep us reeling from the shock. Consciously we have to filter this information and challenge ourselves not always to focus on the dire reports. There's always a mental and spiritual flipside that we can deliberately choose to embrace. I trust that when a life affirming word is needed you run not to the telephone or the internet first, but search out your Holy Bibles. Scripture reminds us that we can speak life over our circumstances with God’s power to what appears to be bleak and negative. There’s power in His word! Trust that God's powerful word will envelope you with the assurance and love needed to handle all of life's issues.

May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Eph 3:19

We can resolve to keep living with fullness of joy, we can choose to keep the faith, keep believing in the face of disparity. I know making resolutions are the popular thing to do in preparation for next year. But, what about today friends? Instead of forecasting some resolutions that may be difficult to keep, let’s resolve right this moment not just in the start of January 2009; but today beginning a new! As Marian say's, "We have to change our minds!" Let’s change our hearts and minds to think on the good things of the Lord? Yes, doors will be open, opportunities will be realized and God’s sovereignty will forever remain constant.

Join me in seeking more of God’s wisdom to navigate life’s path with zeal and determination-desiring a transformative power for new living. We can keep in mind that:

For I can do everything with the help of Christ who
gives me the strength I need.
Phl 4:13

Friends, here are some wonderful website discoveries that may encourage all of us to resolve to: earnestly share our stories to encourage our bretheren, laugh out loud at the absurdities of living, reaching forward as we benefit in sharing with another, endeavoring to remember that our bodies are our temples as we seek to improve healthier living. Let’s also invigorate and stimulate our minds and happily gain new-a brand new perspective on life outside our communities and be sure to breathe again. I am going to take my own medicine! By no means am I an expert on encouragement, but here’s a little e-food for thought. You are invited to simply add to the list of websites and I dare you to go and grow, grow, grow into a better you! Pass the plate please. God bless you!

Adopting Healthier Lifestyles
50 Million Pound Challenge
http://blog.50millionpounds.com/
http://www.50millionpounds.com/

Keeping The Faith
PrayKids! Online Magazine
http://www.navpress.com/account/login.aspx?email=linda.meadows@hamptonu.edu&uid=linda%20Meadows&dest=/landing/praykids.aspx&sc=NL27.

http://www.beliefnet.com/

http://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/

http://www.breatheagainmagazine.com/events.htm

Humor-Laughing Out Loud-Real Good Medicine:
Man and bear - Salmon fight
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWeNyT66IqI

Insight-New Insight
Interview with Charlayne Hunter-Gault
http://www.worldpress.org/Africa/981.cfm

http://www.forbetterlife.org/

http://www.dailypress.com/sports/columnists/dp-columnist-dsquires,0,4982467.columnist?track=rss

Charity- “Give and it will be given unto you”
One laptop Per Child
http://www.laptopgiving.org/en/index.php

Episcopal Relief and Development Efforts

http://www.er-d.org/

Persevering While Waiting on The Promises of God
Redefining perseverance
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19227137/?story=king1

Spreading Joy-
7 yr old keyboard master MSN video.
http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?mkt=en-us&from=MSNHP

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/

I COULDN'T HAVE SAID IT ANY BETTER

Leo Buscaglia, Ph. D., has written thirteen books, most of which deal with the experience of love. At one time, five of his books appeared on the New York Times best-seller list concurrently.His first book, Love, has been a continual best seller for twenty years. Over 18 million of his books are in circulation and have been translated into seventeen languages.

Information and photo from: http://www.intouchmag.com/interview.html

“It's not enough to have lived.

We should be determined to live for something.

May I suggest that it be creating joy for others, sharing what we have for the

betterment of personkind, bringing hope to the lost and love to the lonely.”

—Dr. Leo Buscaglia (1924-1998); author, professor of special education

I couldn’t have said it any better. Some thirty years ago at least- I was then a student at Howard University and remember speaking with my mother on the dormitory hall phone about school, classes and the exciting things I was learning and doing. Somehow we often concluded our conversation about public television. Often Washington, D.C.'s programming would precede Buffalo's programming format. So I'd learn some thing new about history, politics, King Tut or a musical tribute to Ella before she did. The bottom line was we always appreciated and benefited from the insightful programming presented on public television. We felt better about what we learned, it was great mental food -truly mentally stimulating.

On one occassion I missed this motivating doctor that my Mama spoke about. I listened intently as she commented about this passionate speaker Dr. Leo Buscalia. He expressed himself with total body language -with conviction about our humanity and love language learned from his little robust Italian Mama. All that was said was wonderfully encouraging and so "Mama like" the diction not perfect but her message crystal clear. In his depiction , Dr. Buscaglia was animated and really funny. When he spoke you were in the moment , in the kitchen eating pasta with him. Finally after seeing the PBS program and hearing him speak I concurred-it just made such good sense. It was a universal Mama lesson to respect others, love and revere life. He spoke the plain truth and it was memorable!

Just like all of our Mama’s we learn by their example.

Since that conversation with my own mother, I too have enjoyed countless PBS episodes and books where Dr. Bauscalia speaks to the heart of mankind to love better for life’s sake. I contend that it’s a needed ingredient in our complex living.

Today, The Foundation for a Better Life.Org sent this timely e-inspirational message with a quote from Dr. Buscaglia. This inspirational note was a pleasant reminder my friends why God placed me on this earth and that I believe is to be His divine and loving example. I trust you’ll embrace this teaching also,if you haven't from this day forward? Visit your public libraries, discover Dr. Buscaglia's work and relish the love message .

Here’s an interview with Dr. Busgalia’s own words, http://www.intouchmag.com/interview.html enjoy, share, reflect and for God’s sake-live your best life and love more! Bless you!

God's word-the Holy Scripture to encourage us to love:

New Living Translation
1 Corinthians 13

If I could speak in any language in heaven or on earth [fn1] but didn't love others, I would only be making meaningless noise like a loud gong or a clanging cymbal.

2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I knew all the mysteries of the future and knew everything about everything, but didn't love others, what good would I be? And if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain and make it move, without love I would be no good to anybody.

3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; [fn2] but if I didn't love others, I would be of no value whatsoever.
4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud

5 or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged.

6 It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.

7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
8 Love will last forever, but prophecy and speaking in unknown languages [fn3] and special knowledge will all disappear.

9 Now we know only a little, and even the gift of prophecy reveals little!

10 But when the end comes, these special gifts will all disappear.
11 It's like this: When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child does. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.

12 Now we see things imperfectly as in a poor mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. [fn4] All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God knows me now.
13 There are three things that will endure-faith, hope, and love-and the greatest of these is love.

Joyfully Submitted by Linda Mose Meadows

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

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

A SPLENDID AFTERNOON SPENT AT WALDEN BOOKS-CHESAPEAKE SQUARE MALL, PORTSMOUTH, VA.

Praise the Lord! For he has heard my cry for mercy.

The Lord is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trust in him with all my heart.

He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.

Burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

Psalm 28: 6, 7

The day was just that Splendid. As I enjoyed my short lunch walk I wondered for a moment, how should I describe my Saturday afternoon experience? It wasn’t just another weekend to catch up on housework; although it’s really needed. The word splendid popped in my mind. I reflected on how wonderfully splendid described the day!

Today as I walked around campus during my routine lunch hour with crunched the leaves underfoot, I couldn’t help but smile, remembering how I used to love playing in the leaves. These walks confirm for me that change is imminent. A year ago book signings weren’t really anything I wanted to think too hard about. And when the ATP (answer to prayer) was realized my stomach would be in knots the morning of the event. It’s gotten so much better now, I’m more relaxed and I fully appreciate that this is God’s doing being Author Linda Mose Meadows! It’s amazing how God changes our seasons! I knew it would bring home the point of splendid if I goggled and found the definition. Well here it is:

splen·did [ spléndəd ]
adjective

Definition:

1. magnificent: impressive because of quality or size
2. radiant: reflecting light brilliantly
3. excellent: excellent or highly enjoyable
4. acclaimed: very well known and acclaimed

Last weekends’ book signing was indeed another excellent opportunity for God to display His intent for my book. There is much that is being revealed but what I believe is the book signings aren’t simply to say, “Hey I am an author. ” But more importantly it’s an opportunity to share my journey with experiencing God’s grace and mercy when I wondered what in the world was occurring? While at Walden Books I was greeted enthusiastically by book lovers, several of which are authors and those curious by my presence.

The night before the signing, my dear friend Katherine Brown phoned me and we chatted for a brief moment and then she inquired about Saturday. I shared my book signing event and immediately she prayed for the success of the signing and that those that didn’t know Jesus would after my testimony about The Blessedness of Believing would! Her heartfelt prayers must have kissed heaven. Her fervrent prayer was evident by the number of curious onlookers and customers present during the book signing. Before long it looked and felt as though we were having a party. Friends, it’s humbling trying to explain a move of God.

I appreciate that God honored Katherine’s prayer request and blessed me in my book promotion as well as Walden Books. That afternoon wrapped up with devotional lovers, parents, students and a military family which purchased the devotional as a gift for her husband at sea. I was thrilled to see other writing comrades (authors: Susan New, Rique Johnson, Phyllis Johnson and Dr. Helen Luster) and those led to make their way in the vicinity of Walden Book Store that learned of The Blessedness Of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises and said, “Surely I’ll buy your book!” I thank God for them and how it was yep- such a splendid afternoon spent at Walden Books.

Joyfully Submitted by Linda Mose Meadows

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/

IT'S A NEW SEASON ~ IT'S A NEW DAY!

THERE IS HOPE IN YOUR FUTURE.

JEREMIAH 31:17

It’s A New Day, America Gives Way to its Future, America Celebrates, Welcome President Obama and the news paper titles go on and on. Could this possibly be a voice in the wilderness? I contend that yes indeed it’s a banner day friends. I’ve open a zillion emails, watched CNN till my weary eyes slid shut, awoke to more television and radio news regarding another state’s electoral votes earned for President Elect Obama and giggled with family and friends about new possibilities, cried tears of joy as I sat watching the TV cameras pan and take me to the White House, Atlanta, GA, California, Chicago, Sydney Australia, Obama, Japan, the middle east and back into the confines of my home. As tears streamed down my face, I requested that my husband pinch me so I knew that this was not a dream but an exciting start for our nation, the world and our personal futures. An ambassador that readily is inclusive of all- is in our midst.

As Israel and New Breed sing, I see increase all around me-take the limits off! Nov. 4th @11pm marked a brand new era for American History, the books slammed shut on the old regime. A humanitarian was elected, a man that reveres God and loves his family, a US Senator with a diverse heritage and lineage that stretches across the Atlantic Ocean. Then Senator Obama’s clarion call captured our hearts and galvanized young, old, men, and women to embrace a new philosophy of hope and change!

This was not politics as usual! His message was a piercing light that seemed to shone through the fog of economic upheaval! This light shattered numerous myths namely that President Elect wasn’t qualified nor fit for the campaign endurance trail. Record numbers of individuals campaigned with him to get out the vote and in the end democracy stood taller than the naysayer and the malcontents.

We are alive to tell the story and celebrate this phenomenal occurance. It’s a blessing to have witnessed history first hand. I choose to think that it’s God’s providence; it’s a movement unlike anything the world has witnessed. This movement is bigger than all of us and our individual agendas, it’s spiritual, it’s active, it’s electric. Our lives are better for it. All things are possible to those who believe. It’s apparent. I think about Nelson Mandela and how God allowed him to survive prison and ultimately become President Mandela. many imagined could this possibly be realized ! The answer is a resounding , "YES!" Once again this is a testament that there is hope in our futures. Join me in saying, job well done to all that exercised faith like never before and are now witnesses to tell the story! Thank you for your vision and pursuing your dream President Elect Barack Obama! You are anointed for the call! May God bless and keep us!

Submitted by Linda Mose Meadows, Author of :
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises

We Are The Ones Song by will.i.am - Obama


We Are The Ones Song

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