The Author's Hideaway was created by Yolanda M. Johnson-Bryant, the founder of Literary Wonders! (www.literarywonders.com), Bryant Consulting (http://www.bryantconsultingonline.com/).
This is a tremendous blessing for which I am very grateful! Thank you Ms. Yolanda M. Johnson-Bryant!
Each time we help another living soul our action is like throwing a pebble in the water. Just wait-something positive will occcur! In time we'll witness the ripple effect of service. It's love in action my friends!
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
John 10:10
It’s a known fact that workplace depression does exist! It’s real for many on some level, but seldom shared. Taking care of our emotional health is essential if we don’t wish to plummet down that slippery slope of burn-out. It must be my season to examine this and take an earnest look. That morning stomach ache, elevated blood pressure and mental exhaustion are bull horns bellowing that change is eminent-something must give. Friends our bodies express themselves in pronounced ways that stress is whipping us down. The excessive behaviors, over compensating, a host of unhealthy symptoms, consuming who knows what ( you fill in the blank) that is out of control, it’s a tell tale sign that trouble is on the horizon! Remember the television character Martin, he’d shout, “What’s up?” Funny, but true attention was needed immediately. And it’s a shame to say, more instances indicate that stress is triumphant and gaining on us.
Many suffer nagging migraines, energy drains, feelings of hostility, edginess/anxious and ultimately encountering diminished self worth. This low self esteem is much too tight, now worn like tight ankle socks. All of this in the name of earning a living. Come on lets open the blinds and lift our mental shades, our mindsets endeavoring to live better. The sun wants to shine in our private thoughts!
Yes , there’s a tremendous amount of discomfort suffered, and unfortunately getting a “day-off” here and there are not the complete elixir required for maintaining our sanity and reducing our stress thresholds. I encourage you to take those lunch walks, read edifying materials, learn and develop techniques that slow the breathing and regulate our heart beat. God is a prayer away He'll provide the insight! Readily embrace seeking a mentor, acquiring a counselor to help shed light on improving our emotional and physical health.
It’s time to take proactive measures to own and win good emotional health. trust me i am pointing the finger in my direction. Like i've heard Clergy declare, "This is more for me than you!" Until that better job opportunity avails, begin enjoying more of your after work interests, understanding that hostile environments won’t necessarily banish, but stagnant outlooks must retreat to more meaningful thinking and lifestyle progressions. A mental retreat is needed from stress!
Yes, prayer and application of scripture are essential. Jesus reminds us that He came that we’ll have life, and have it more abundantly. I get it! My brain and heart now understand there are many dimensions for a holistic fitness. Seek out what you need. I am grateful for the gift of learning and thanking God for community resources, counseling services, outdoor public gardens, museums. boutiques, art galleries, beaches, soul stirring music, libraries and virtual websites! These treasures can awaken our heart, mind and soul, leaving an indelible impression that God meant so much more for us than being depleted and worn in environments that weigh heavy on our psyches/soul!
Reach out with improved energy and discover that fulfillment awaits us! Let’s win back our emotional health on purpose!
We are winners, yes we are!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
RESOURCES TO ENCOURAGE YOUR HEART!
Amazing what we can learn and share with Values.com,
inclusive of your creation of a community billboard.
Applaud those that are making a difference. Spread joy!
Become more active, enjoy “stay vacations” in your own backyard. Google summer events information for your city and community. Summer is approaching. Enjoy free outdoor concerts, stage performances. There are loads of outdoor fairs, visit area eateries, museums, and walking tours. etc.
Visit Community Centers learn about fitness programs, cultural arts & culinary classes.
As Bishop Vashti Mackenzie says, don’t let your wounds get in the way. Sometimes friend are limited in their scope of your deep, heartfelt needs. Don’t be hesitant about seeking advice- therapy/counseling from a professional. It’s yours for the asking! Therapy choices exist ranging from individuals, families and groups. Explore and learn about treatment preferences & specialties.
Consider being proactive with your job hunt, start with some sage and savvy guidance from the Job Club with Tory Johnson (http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/JobClub/)
Hear an anointed word from Bishop Vashti McKenzie, it’s a “wake-up call!”. Her messages, books, and blog are a hug direct from heaven. Her work will engage and encourage your spirit to live and not die! http://thisisyourwakeupcallonline.com/
http://www.blueletterbible.org/is filled with Holy Scripture, devotionals, study tools that will empower you as you take God at His word!
Expressing Thanksgiving & Joy!
Linda Mose Meadows, Author & Inspirational Columnist:
The Blessedness of BelievingA Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises
Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. Psalm 27:13,14
I thank God for allowing me to be a witness that a blessing delayed isn’t always an indication of a blessing denied! In May of 2009 our family’s hearts were broken, just crushed when we learned that my son wasn’t going to be graduating from college as anticipated. Our party plans were senseless, only multiple notes and conversations of regret were the order of the day. Oh, but that wasn’t the end of the story. Apparently classes were missed despite what his academic program card conveyed and thus there was more, much course work yet to be completed. It felt horrible to me, but it must have felt even worse for Michael to be engaged with classmates excited about securing their regalia, class rings, receiving letters of acceptance for graduate school while they enthusiastically planned for summer and fall ventures.
This time friends, my son would have to bite the bullet, display the “stiff upper lip” and share that he’d been delayed with graduation plans for another year. And trust that this was really the truth!
Ever been there?
What must that have been like, to speak those words: “No I’m not graduating yet?” and digest the very essence of that implication! Failure, disappointment must have been ringing in his ears. No one said much, but it was rough on our psyches! And to add insult to injury, more courses, more and more work! The askant glances, wondering stares, voices of predictable doom and our own silent regrets were audible! This was not the emperor’s robe of choice! Was defeat going to be his life’s main appetizer? What must have been Michael’s prayers?
What are your prayers during life’s overwhelming setbacks?
Well just like the admitted doting Mother that I am-my heart ached, tears flowed freely and often, but my prayers never ceased! I spoke life every opportunity, no matter how angry I was. This was only temporary, I remained adamant! My mind kept reeling the tape that hope was alive and well, and God would not abandon my child’s efforts.
Yes sir my friends, it does happen, God allows us to see His goodness in the land of the living! Not only did we witness my son’s commencement, but relished with other parents this 2010 Mother’s Day Weekend was an answer to prayer! I stood unashamedly with outstretched arms among a host of strangers, my husband, father, extended family members and a cloud of witnesses acknowledging God’s faithfulness! It was surreal to be finally witnessing, sharing in each other’s merriment of this long awaited milestone reached! Our loved ones had attained one of their important goals and this was no small fete.
Thank you Holy Ghost, there is real joy seeing God’s hand of deliverance when dreams are finally birthed! My household realizes and Michael can testify that we couldn’t have survived without God’s leading!
Oh it’s a fact that rain storms erupt, thunder frightens and clouds hang heavy and even stir our soul's anguish. Oh indeed; but torrential rains halt and the sun does streak the clouds! I see the rainbow on our horizons. Congratulations to the Class 2010. What a day, what a moment never to be forgotten! Keeping running and reaching towards your mark! We await your testimony!
Expressing Thanksgiving & Joy!
Linda Mose Meadows, Urban Views Inspirational Columnist & Author :
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises
“Throw back the shoulders, let the heart sing, let the eyes flash,
let the mind be lifted up, look upward and say to yourself
... nothing is impossible!” Norman Vincent Peale preacher, author
“This quilt was made during a workshop taken a few years ago while working on this piece, I realized that some people confine spirituality to a book or church and fail to recognize the ever present spirituality of their natural surroundings. When we open ourselves to nature’s beauty, power, and intricacies, then spiritual lessons will come to us with little effort.”
"Fish Fantasy" Explained by Quilter Patricia Johnson, Spirits of the Cloth: Contemporary African American Quilts
by Carolyn Mazloomi, Pg. 82
Fish Fantasy by Patricia Johnson.
My photo doesn't do this intricately creative work justice!
Patricia Johnson's published testimony: “My first exposure to quilting was a workshop taught by a very talented Fiber Artist named Lethia Robertson. I later saw an exhibit of her work and was amazed at her creative use of color and fabric. Although I made many of my own clothes I did not think that I had the talent for quilting.”
Several years later I moved to Hampton, VA. and soon joined the Golden Thimble Needle Craft Guild which sparked my interest in quilting again, along with other types of needlework. I also attended workshops at quilt shows and local quilt shops. I then joined the 54-40 African American Quilting Guild. This guild came out of an workshop taught by Loretta Craig and was named after a quilt pattern she uses exclusively in her work”
Texile Artist and Quilter: Ms. Patricia Johnson featured in Spirits of The Cloth by Carolyn Mazloomi. She's sharing excerpt in publication regarding: Fish Fantasy.
Wonderful creation!
We're delighted to have Ms. Johnson as our precious friend!
My son, Michael and Ms. Patricia Johnson.
Some gifts just can’t be purchased.Yes, they are priceless and most unexpected. These gifts aren’t always acquired in highend boutiques, our community strip plazas or in our beloved mega malls. Thank goodness! No, no my friends they are the wonderful creations that God has fashioned in human form. This is the category that I place Ms. Patricia Johnson of Hampton,Virginia in.
Patricia Johnson is a master, talented Quilter (self taught),Textile Artist and art aficionado. Not to mention she can scout out a yard sale and resurface with pieces that only an artist could immediately scope out and understand its priceless value. As Michael and I sat in her living room listening and trying hard not to interupt with our many questions. We understood that that early evening visit was too wonderful for words. We appreciated learning about her fascinating life growing up in New York City, sojourns and jaunts throughout Europe, memberships in Art guilds and preservation endeavors- laughing about past and present life’s escapades, so much was being revealed to me. I began to realize that our meeting was divinely orchestrated.
Now in hind sight meeting this exceptional woman was another pearl that God had saved for this time in our lives. It’s was no coincidence meeting her. The road was paved as Michael (my son) volunteered at the Hampton University Museum occasionally working with Ms. Johnson on The International Review of African American Art. All of this was just another part of the divine plan. And wouldn’t you know it, his introduction to Patricia Johnson-well they’ve both made a lasting impression with the other! Ms. Johnson has shared not only her knowledge and wisdom regarding art appreciation, but generously shared gifts also. This was a natural connection. Mike's a young man that enjoys, values family and friends, loves art, history and appreciates culture. He’s learning and being introduced to some phenomenal artists, witnessing their creative energy and gaining first hand experience about the administrative dynamics regarding the many facets of operating a museum. Now that’s God’s handy work!
We understand that lasting impressions leave an indelible mark in our psyche and spirit. So I hope as you enjoy these photos of Ms. Patricia Johnson and her work, you too will begin to appreciate your acquaintances that I pray will blossom into lasting friendships. Had I never met Patricia Johnson it would have been a series of exchanged pleasantries at museum art openings. But while sitting and conversing with her I learned of her many interests, her volunteerism, her publications, her generosity, creative genius and her passion for art. Silently I prayed and thanked God for the lasting impressions that her inspirational quilts and textile art have made on the world. Beautiful, beautiful art!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Learn more about Patricia Johnson in:
The International Review of African American: Fiber Art,The Stuff of Dreams, Fabric of Friendship Vo. 15, No. 4 ,1999, pg 30,31.
Newsletter IRAAA Update by Juliette Harris Bowles: Museum, Thoughts & Talks for Friends of The Museum, Fall 2000
Spirits of the Cloth: Contemporary African American Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Expressing Thanksgiving & Joy! Linda Mose Meadows, Author & Inspirational Columnist: The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises
Surely there will be instances when we stagger, stumble and fall! Life's setbacks happen! But that's never the end of the story. There is more living ahead for us. Dreams yet to be realized. With breathe in our bodies and a determined spirit we can dust ourselves off and keep moving. It may feel a little ackward getting back in stride, but we'll surely gain momentum in time! God is at the helm! I believe you'll laugh out loud and easily relate to this uplifting column found on the website entitled: Dignity Intactwritten for my Inspirational Column in Urban Views Weekly.
Remember our digity is intact, we will win!
Sharing in Faith, Linda Mose Meadows, Urban Views Weekly Columnist and Inspirational Author of : The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
I understand that not many families are enjoying eating meals together. We’re missing out on some vital family dynamics. Problem solving, conflict resolution, making amends, learning about the art of conversing and coping- yes, these skills can be acquired at the kitchen table. I admit often it’s easier being busy, rather than facing our generational giants. But this requires our presence and participation in the name of sharing a meal!
Things are swiftly changing with this fast food age of eating on the run. We miss out on important family matters when we aren’t sharing, conversing and connecting with each other at a sacred mealtime. We’ll imagine having a spiritual mealtime, where you can be reacquainted with God? An actual time or moment to converse (pray) with God!
How can this be you wonder? Actually experiencing time where we can abandon our many life’s concerns and partake in a soul liberating feast? Oh I contend it can happen when we carve out our time with God to pray, meditate, worship. This meal will allow us to seek spiritual direction and garner tremendous results. Our spirits will concur, “ Ok, I got it!” and we’ll know we’re in God’s care. You’ll then understand fully what it means to feast on God’s word. You arrive often and discover that your personal issues won’t block your opportunity to dine.
Go ahead, exhale and release the cares of this world. We are all invited to the table, read your Bibles and Holy Scripture –the feast is going on and the table is spread! Wholesome spiritual food awaits you and me. Feeling hungry in your soul? Nourishment waits you. There’s a place at the table and company of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost will entreat you. Living water flows freely! No need to feel or be malnourished anymore my friends!
There you and your families will feast in the presence of the LORD your God,
and you will rejoice in all you have accomplished because the LORD your God has blessed you. Deu 12:7
Hyatt Moore - The Last Supper with Twelve Tribes
Master Painter, Hyatt Moore did an outstanding job of capturing Christ’s humanity and divinity in his creative and timely interpretation of The Last Supper. It’s evident from this artist interpretation that all are welcome, not a soul is excluded. Enjoy Hyatt’s video in which he eloquently expresses the love that Christ has for all of us. Cultural Diversity is present! Imagine the disciples are a reflection of who we are and to whom we belong. There’s room at the table. Thank you Lord. This calls for a celebration hymn. Sing along with Richard Smallwood & Vision. Grab your seat and as folks say, “take a load off your feet and sit on down!”
Richard Smallwood & Vision - Feast of the Lord/At The Table
Lyrics of Richard Smallwood’s Feast of the Lord/At The Table
Come on in where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on
Come on in where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on
Come on in where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on
Come on in where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on
Joy is here where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on
Joy is here where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on
(Seekin' healing for your body) It's over here (Seekin' healing for your soul) Over here (Seekin' for your souls' salvation) It's over here (If you want the Lord to make you whole!) Over here
Love is here where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on
Love is here where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on
(If you need more strength and more power) It's over here (relief from your burden and your pain) Over here (Seekin' for some joy in your sorrow) It's over here (feast and you will never be the same) Over here
Peace is here where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on
Peace is here where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on
It's here right now want you need is waiting at table!
It's here right now want you need
At the table, At the table, At the table At the table, it's here!
