Monday, August 23, 2010

REMEMBERING HIS BENEFITS!






Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name!

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.


It’s just that simple friends, as April and I concurred, trouble does happen in our lives but we must remember who’s in charge. If we only remember God’s benefits it puts everything we are experiencing in perspective. God’s wonderful benefits give us new lyrics to sing. We’ll make up a song and probably clap off beat but its ok! His divine benefits cause us to witness generosity, “Blessings” on a brand new level. Our personal canvas of experiences change dramatically in scope, hue and meaning! Unexpected blessings can be so exhilarating, reassuring –it’s evident that God’s got our lives cradled in His care. We understand fully whose we are! I’ve wanted to share our good news and capture the highlights of August but didn’t quite know how I’d present this. Hopefully you’ll be encouraged in your daily circumstances [the good and the ugly] that God’s in complete control. You may wonder, but really it’s the truth. This month has been particularly trying but we’ve had numerous rainbows streak across our lives, so instead of writing multiple posts I decided to instead share several celebratory moments this that felt like I was riding my bike one hand holding the handle and the other out stretched having fun and giggling for real! Each moment caused me to acknowledge God’s infinite goodness and say in my spirit, “Lord, look at you!” Let me present my thanks giving list:







1. Our Grandmother Ruth’s visit to Virginia was God sent. She’s a beautiful 93 years old and is extremely vibrant. Flew on the plane to get here! She arrived smiling and happy! She loved all our gestures and wasn’t short complements. I felt so honored and blessed to have her in our midst! Ricky and Mike were amazing as they also help care for Granny. We were a genuine “home team”! She audibly reminded me that it was good that we loved each other and how important family is. Granny was funny at times when she asserted her independence; she had to chuckle at her own aha moments remarking “I know, I know, I have to do what I can for myself.” Immediately I understood and kissed her on her cheek and provided her with the space she needed. Family members visited from Maryland and it was an instant joyous family reunion. With Granny’s visit appreciation and love were overflowing!




2. Rediscovering one of my past birthday presents: Inner Simplicity: 100 Ways to Regain Peace and Nourish Your Soul by Elaine St. James (Paperback - Apr 20, 1995) was a good thing! There it was in arms reach and I had tucked it away and pulled it out as though I knew what I reaching for! All I can think is that God obviously knew what I needed at the time! It was to take time to begin again to appreciate my surroundings, my life and my recent life lessons-all of them. It’s a perfect little read, not preachy but wonderfully written in series of writings that can be grasped n a few moments. The writings are absolute jewels that cause us to get back to basics and appreciate ourselves, our spirits and our time. Her writing on “Remembering” caused me to stop and appreciate the present and focus on one thing at a time. My spirit was obliged for my acknowledging what was occurring right then and there. The jacket cover alone say: stop, slow down take time and get refueled! Thank you Ms. St. James for aiding us with uncluttering and distressing our spirits with refreshing alternatives!




http://omicrondeltasigma.com/?p=3108
http://omicrondeltasigma.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/CBCF-Interns-in-Ebony.pdf




3. Sometimes we’ve got to see things for ourselves and often when this happens it’s an eye popping experience which causes us to smile broadly and say, “Oh my goodness!” This is one of those “for real, for real” occasions’ friends! Oh I just love sharing this! Our son, Michael was a participant as a Summer Intern for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. to say we were thrilled is an understatement. He was assigned to work with VA. Congressman Bobby Scott’s Office where he learned and experienced invaluable lessons for leadership development and serving in government. It was also a great learning experience for me as a parent. Thank goodness for http://www.cbcfinc.org/ I appreciated the CBCF‘s mission and efforts immensely. Our son was one of the fine students which debuted in the September issues of JET and EBONY Magazine with several other HBCU College students. He shared with us that as a summer 2010 intern for the Congressional Black Caucus they were selected for Ebony Magazine’s educational issue with President Obama gracing their cover. Several of the brightest and best young people had the distinct and blessed opportunity to reflect and share solutions for addressing today’s pressing issues faced by this nation and the President of the United States The “IF You Were President” scenarios and difficult questions presented to The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.’s , Summer Congressional Interns make readers proud! Here indeed was another golden opportunity for these sharp minds to offer new insight and perspectives on change for the better. Guess what? When I visit my local grocery store, stop in airport news stand, or purchase a newspaper or book from my favourite bookstore, Ebony Magazine’s September issue is on the same shelves. I couldn’t have imagined that this summer internship would have harvested such awesome opportunities for all of these young HBCU students! Lord I just can’t thank you enough! Lesson learned: God can do so much more than you could ask or think of!


4. Passionate Genealogist, Professor Drusilla Pair will help you scale your family tree and have you yearning to learn more about your ancestry. Stellar Poet and Consultant, Nathan Richardson will cause you to reminisce and appreciate with longing your family gatherings of yesteryear. His superb poetry and literary works are just are fascinating.


After a while whatever you love doing will mushroom and a light beam will spotlight your efforts. It requires love, commitment and passionate dedication. It’s just that simple. These two friends were recently on WHRO’s Another View (Aug. 16, 2010 http://www.anotherview.tv/, their passion is evident! Enjoy their celebration of Genealogy! The Television Show Times will be as follows: Friday, August 20 at 9P on WHRO-TV. It will repeat on Sunday, August 22 at 3:30P, and again on Tuesday, August 24 at 10:30P. It will also air on WHRO World, channel 107 on Cox, on Monday, August 23 at 5P and Wednesday, August 25 at 5:30P. Kudos goes to WHRO for shining the spotlight on two jewels in the Hampton Roads Community.


Finally, be encourage to toll the bell and shout, “Hey very good work-well done!” Sometimes it’s not just about us, it’s our ability to applaud others- pat them on the back and witness the evidence God’s grace. It’s a blessing being actively involved in the cheering squad too! Behold God’s infinite blessings are all around us! Remember share the good and excellent news, seek out your passion and I declare good things, yes great things and unexpected joys will overtake you!

Join me in being a witness that God’s benefits are abundant! Amen y’all! Amen!

It's A Wonderful Day!
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

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

EMPOWER MAGAZINE: DESIGNED TO RECHARGE, REFUEL AND REFRESH

But someone will say, You have faith; I have deeds.
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
James 2: 18-22

EMPOWER MAGAZINE
RECHARGE, REFUEL. REFRESH
A Dominion Media International, LLC Publication
http://www.dominionmediaintl.com/


Tia Cooke is not only a woman with a great heart of faith, but a visionary! This young woman gets the ball moving and trusts God to do just what He's promised. Yes, it's evident she's a believer! She hasn't stopped to looked back since the inception of her recent heart's desire: Empower Magazine (July, 2010). Looking to check out more of this worker bee's endeavors visit: Dominion Media International on the web. You'll be pleasantly pleased with her marketing expertise. Kudos to my friend, Ms. Tia Cooke, Editor in Chief for the inception of her labor of love: Empower Magazine. This is not your atypical, run of the mill Christian magazine. This literary jewel is for everyone. It has hit the stands and you'll be glad to make it a part of your favorite magazine collection! Empower Magazine was created as a life-changing magazine that was purposely designed to instill hope for living in this turbulent world and navagating through this complex economy. It's filled with encouraging words and resources for today and the future!
In Ms. Cooke's words:

"It is my sincere prayer that [when] you turn each page, you will find hope, restoration, healing, deliverance and life so that you will be EMPOWERed to live and EMPOWERed to move in the things of God. Please know that in spite of the situation you are currently facing God is able! Live EMPOWERed!"


Inspirational Author, Linda Mose Meadows
is a
Contributing Writer
acquire the magazine today and enjoy :
Empower's Brand New Life Series:


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

EMPOWER MAGAZINE
By Faith-Brand New Thinking
by Linda Mose Meadows
AUGUST 2010 VOL.1 NO.1

“The happy heart runs with the river, floats on the air, lifts to the music, soars with the eagle, and hopes with the prayer.”
—Maya Angelou
(1928- ); Poet, Dancer, Producer, Playwright, Director
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



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get your subscription today by visiting http://www.facebook.com/l/93a8aHcgqbUxvDx6LnJ6LzEL0eg;www.dominionmediaintl.com and then click on Empower Magazine. A 1-year subscription is $20 and 2 years is only $35. Interested in advertising please call 757-775-5404.



Encouraged and Humbled by God's Loving Presence
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/

Thursday, August 12, 2010

GET REVIVED AND RESTORED!

“Life's blows cannot break a person whose spirit is warmed at the fire of enthusiasm. “
Norman Vincent Peale Preacher, Author



Friends Enjoy Recent
Urban Views Weekly Inspriational Column by :
Linda Mose Meadows


On-Line & In Print



A refreshing glass of spiritual nectar awaits your parched soul!
Come be revived and restored!





You are welcome to read more inspirational columns written for Urban Views Weekly by Author, Linda Mose Meadows. Visit Richmond. Com or Click Urban Views Weekly tab on blog: http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
to reference titles and dates. Thank you for your interest.


It's A Wonderful Day!

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/
http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

DREAMERS, BE ENCOURAGED BY AN AMAZING JOURNEY ~ A PRAYER FOR GOD'S WILL

"Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live.
Teach them to your children and to their children after them."
Deuteronomy 4:9
'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."
Mark 9:23
Dreamers keep dreaming! Hold on, don't let go of the dream that won't die, won't go away! Our hair may be wind blown, possibly gray around the edges, clothes
scorched and singed from the fires of life, but we've made it! Everyday is a new possibility! Here's a message I wrote a while ago and I sincerely believe it's still relevant. Let's revisit this reminder to stay determined! As they say, "Keep
it moving! Keep the dream ever before you!" Remain steadfast, moving in the direction of your heart's desire and trust that
God is your faithful anchor! Move on, your life's journey awaits you!
Where will your life's journey take you? What is burning in your soul to accomplish? What are you believing God for? You may ask yourself quietly, "Can God really take me there or am I fooling myself?" Well it's up to you to trust Him or not! I strongly believe that your second guessing is delaying the answer to your heart's desire, your prayers.

As you map out your steps, your route, your destiny I encourage you to ask yourself some important questions. You need not have all the answers just the vigor to step out in faith. Or will you give up and let others stand in your way? Just possibly-maybe in your heart of hearts that inner voice will convince you that what you are hoping for is impossible? Find Holy scripture that speaks to your reservations. I am convinced that those negative conversations, and negative voices are not the divine that dwells within us. I implore you,don't let the enemy rob you of your divine calling and an awesome life's lesson that waits you. Your journey will show the world that God has equipped you to survive. God desires to inspire all of us, but especially you!

I pray you persevere, hold on and simply believe that what awaits you at your journey's end or at the fork in the road was meant for your good. But you've got to make a move in the direction in which you've been ushered to go. You've got the power-it's your call!

Take a look at this amazing journey of a young man named Kingsley who's in search for an improved life. Kingsley's journey from the Cameron to Europe gives new meaning to the word "determination"! I thank God for this photo journal that allows us to witness this young man's struggle, but more importantly what it means not to be detered!

Take heart, continue in prayer and push on my friends! God doesn't fail, let His love and His promises keep encouraging you in your quest to move forward. So many have overcome and you can too!


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

A Prayer for God's will from St. Augustine of Hippo:


God of our life, there are days when the burdens we carry chafe our shoulders and weigh us down; when the road seems dreary and endless, the skies grey and threatening; when our lives have no music in them; and our hearts are lonley, and our souls have lost their courage. Flood the path with light, we beseech the; turn our eyes to where the skies are full of promise; tune our hearts to brave music; give us the sense of comradeship with heroes and saints of every age; and so quicken our spirits that we may be able to encourage the souls of all who journey with us on the road of life; to thy honor and glory.


Excited About The Days Ahead!
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/

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

IT'S ALREADY ALRIGHT!



The LORD will guide you always;

he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and
will strengthen your frame.

You will be like a well-watered garden,

like a spring whose waters never fail.
Isaiah 58:11





I feel it in my spirit it’s already alright. Confirmation received! Proclaim it friends: it’s already alright! We walk by faith not by sight. Yolanda Adams bellowed out that song while I was headed down Settlers Landing Road, almost at my designation of work. I didn’t have to ponder what Yolanda Adams was singing or possibly why.


My spirit applauded the connection and confirmation that while we await our next assignment, board meeting discussion, funding raising endeavor, proposed business venture, arrival of our loved ones deployment assignment, scheduled court appearance, closing or foreclosure date, acceptance or rejection letter and/or medical tests results for health prognosis-depending on what you are looking for; that It’s already alright! So grateful that God can communicate, talk with us regarding our need through a song, a tune playing on the radio and we immediately understand that that was the flag being raised on our vessel traveling through life-that no matter how choppy the waters are and how the sun may or may not be blazing and beating down on our heads that it’s already alright.
So my friends it’s ok to travel in silence, hum or sing off beat as we navigate our way through the main thoroughfares and down the side streets, just be assured and comforted in your hearts that it’s already! Alright! So hang in there and turn the radio on, crank up the volume, bop your heads and jam with your favorite tune loud, strong and assured!


Already Alright Lyrics



I want to start things out by giving testimony
Cause one of my friends got I'll seriously
Now the doctor told him ain't no way you gone' live
But he prayed his prayer in faith
And a miracle appeared
[Chorus:]Its already alright, Its already alright
And all you got to do is
Just bow your head down
Just bow and pray
And then give it all up
And know everything's gonna be okay
Just throw your hands up
And then wave them left to right
And now do your dance child
Cause it's alright already
Always surrounded by negativity
This might be where I live
But it ain't gonna change me
Gotta work on my mind
And keep my actions pure
And when I stumble, I know who has the cure
So any time your feeling down
Just lift your voice in praise
It'll pick you right up
And you can come to Him don't be afraid
Anytime , day or night
He can give you what you need
And if you pray your prayer in faith
And in your heart believe that
[Chorus:]
When life's problems get you down
Can't find no peace nowhere around
Trust in the spirit you can't see
Its bout to bring you your relief
Go ahead and cry now , it's alright
Cause now you're cryin tears of joy
This life ain't hurting you no more
Cause you know it's already alright




Yolanda Adams Singing: Already Alright




I pray beloved that the Lord will continue to bless you, build you up ,
keep you and comfort you with his peace and assurance for all the days to come. Amen!



Grateful to God for a Fresh New Wind!

Sharing in Faith, Linda Mose Meadows,Urban Views Weekly Columnist and Inspirational Author of:
The Blessedness of BelievingA Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

REMARKABLE CHAUTAUQUA: A SOUL AWAKENING EXPERIENCE!























http://www.ciweb.org/interfaith-lectures/















































He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."
Jeremiah 17:8





Incredible God! This is thundering through my spirit as I recant the remarkable previous week spent with honored “Fellows” from diverse religious backgrounds and their spouses selected for week # 2 of The New Clergy Program (NCP) of Chautauqua Institution’s Department of Religion. The theme for week two is: The Ethics of Leadership.’ My husband Richard had the distinct pleasure to be honored as one of the fellows.

As we careened down the highway yesterday headed for home, Ricky and I had fun reminiscing about the tremendous power packed agenda and our anointed new friends: Stephen, Nannette, Mark & Michele, Clemette & Mary, Lee Ann & Stefan, Phoebe, Jennifer & Nathan, Evie, Derrick & Marnie and Ann & Loren.


He’s the pilot smoothly navigating the highway. With pleasure, I’m co-piloting happily sharing my “road safety” commentary and speed limit observations. But for this blog post it will serve as my imaginary seat perched comfortably in the Chautauqua Institution’s Department of Religion’s Amen corner. That means I highly support and recommend Chautauqua Institution’s Department of Religion’s endeavors.


I can hardly contain all the spiritual benefits received regarding all that my heart and soul witnessed. As folks once would say, "I was weary!" Kindly indulge me and I gladly will share a few soul awakening moments.


The drive from New York through the mountains of Pennsylvania didn’t seem so tiring because our spirits are celebrating and laughing about my bold pronouncement of my “vacation”, during the opening introductions. Why didn’t I just announce the entire truth when the opening facilitator requested participants, spouses and partners share why they agreed to be a part of The New Clergy’s Program?


Good question. Answer, probably my pride was at work!


I missed a golden opportunity to thank God audibly in that instance. I knew the moment I made my pronouncement of vacation, that that wasn’t the entire truth. Maybe I was too spent to share all that had preceded our arrival to Chautauqua Institution. So, instead I shared that I was “vacationing”, when the fact of the matter was I needed an immediate elixir. Yes my friends, what was missing prior to Chautauqua Institution was a very tall glass of spiritual refreshment, an encounter with God on a deeper level-a renewing, nectar from the wellspring of living water.


My soul yearned for respite, a safe haven and revitalization.


Yes, Lord! Send REVIVAL!







I believe revival did happen! It was a vacation indeed, a vacation from the stressors of life! I witnessed and re-experienced revival up close and personal with many others! Life Anew! Revival which captured our Spirits!




Almighty God, We worship and adore you,
Most Holy and Righteous creator.
You have done all things well.
We have gathered in your name
And we pray for your blessing
on the church in this place called Chautauqua, its people and pastors.
Here may the faithful find salvation, and the careless be awakened.
Here may the doubting find faith,
and the anxious be encouraged.
Here may the tempted find help,
and the sorrowful find comfort.
Here may the weary find rest,
and the strong be renewed.
Here may the aged find consolation
and the young be inspired;
through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.

Through many dangers, toils and snares, we have already come,
Twas grace that brought us safe thus far, and grace will lead us home.
Gracious God, in the name of Jesus we beseech you,
to hear our prayers, hear our pleas for mercy
and grace in this time of trial, called life.
It is written in your Holy word that we would be
tried, but just as we are tried, we trust you to walk with us
and guide us, along this journey.
Every good and perfect gift comes from you,
So, gift us with joy in times of sorrow, peace in the time of struggle. We lift our hearts and minds to you, looking to the hills from whence cometh our help. Knowing that our help comes from you.
Help us to abide in the shadow of thy wing. Amen.

Then the eagle will carry our prayer for peace and love,
and the people of all communities can sit in the same circle
together to communicate in love and experience the presence of the
Great Mystery in their midst.
God of our weary years, God of our silent tears,
thou who has brought us thus far, on the way,
thou who has by they might led us into the light,
keep us forever in thy path, we pray.
Let that day be today for our sake, through
Jesus Christ our advocate and redeemer. Amen.

Prayer written by Richard D. Meadows, Jr. (July 2010) for Closing Worship of
The New Clergy Program of Chautauqua Institution’s Department of Religion






The beautifully sculpted prayer written by my beloved Ricky does convey this sentiment of need for a fresh spiritual wind, especially during these complex and turbulent times. (I just feel it- the Holy Ghost orchestrated its inception.)


In a final moving Praise and Worship opportunity this prayer was corporately shared. It spoke beautifully to our hearts along with Rev. Will Terry pulling no punches with his timely sermonic message and Rev. Stephen Austin lifting our spirits with his beautiful voice and piano worship selections. God was actively ministering to each of our needs. The feet washing, laying-on of hands and lifting in prayer the program’s major supporters and our exemplary servant leaders: Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell, Rev. Will Terry, Rev. Cameron Pennybacker and Rev. Dr. Albert Pennybacker was certainly in order for this blessed outpouring. As some might say, “God was in the house!”



God’s presence was not mistaken, it was apparent-surely felt and appreciated daily, especially during the morning messages from the esteemed Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr., President and Founder of the Healing of the Nations Foundation of New York and Senior Minister Emeritus of the Riverside Church. Rev. Dr. Forbes, Jr. beckoned believers to embrace a holistic heath regiment and appreciate the Great Awakening in our midst.


Undoubtly our minds were awakened during the Morning Lecture Series and notably when the dynamic President of Echoing Green, Cheryl Dorsey, shared about her passionate commitment and alliances with philanthropic leaders which are providing the needed seed capital and business acumen for jump starting young innovative Social entreprenuers. As a result of these "socialpreneurs" insight, lives are being changed for the better! Her testament about these global change agents was very encouraging. The power of her ingenuity and dedication for service couldn’t be overshadowed.



God’s love was visible in the stirrings and poignant accounts of Daisy Khan, Executive Director, and American Society for Muslim Advancement. Mrs. Khan shared in the Hall of Philosophy and during NCP session/dinner. Hers is a heartfelt commitment of embracing others and reaching across Ecumenical barriers. She lovingly shares her Islamic faith principles, humanitarian endeavors and hope for rebuilding torn lives.





Yes, also the divine was evident when Rabbi Irwin Kula, President of the National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership expressed passionately his receptivity and desire to actively engage listeners to embrace new thinking/actions for living effectively in a chaotic world. Not to mention his generosity to all the NCP’s a gift of his most recent literary work: Yearnings: Embracing the Sacred Messiness of Life (Hyperion, Sept. 2006).


And Lord knows the creative interpretation of the Preacher Extraordinaire: Rev. Otis Moss III, pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ’s panel discussion and “talk” of our need for the urgency of all Americans to become Jazz lovers, preserving Louisiana, and more importantly not take for granted a rich musical /historical legacy which should be treasured. He creatively said we should start a jazz orchestra inclusive of all, an intergenerational experience-partaking in a united love supreme jazz rendition.

Enriching moments experienced at these lectures and during worship spilled into simply celebratory encounters. Angelic encounters on every turn! God's handywork was realized and you couldn't help but to acknowledge the divine instantly! Reflecting on this my Spirit agrees that it must have also been the Spouse’s Luncheon/Partner Luncheon with Lynn Stahl wife of Rabbi Sam Stahl of San Antonio, Texas, or the raucous sacred laughter and sheer enjoyment shared!
No, it was marveling in awe of the picturesque landscapes, or my instantly applauding as I walked pass the Ampitheatre during the rehearsals of the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, or closing my eyes and intently absorbing the choir voices and the organist's mastery of music witnessed for early morning service! And then meeting the outstanding multimedia artisans ( Cheryl Olney aka "Louise's Daughter", Rebecca Grace Jones, James Sankowski, Alan Resnick and Gail Markiewicz) who displayed their anointed creations and entertained my questions too!


Well it surely was in the assortment of the delicious home baked cookies and our indulging in the slice of heavenly carrot cake! Have your tastebuds ever sang? Simple abundance was all around us! It spilled over into one opportunity after another, appreciating this stimulating community and life force at Chautauqua! It was expressed in the love of ministry, passion for sharing the Gospel and in demonstrated service .


It must have been in the weeklong soul connections and sheer joy of seeing God in others! It included the resounding hospitality of the Robertson’s and the Stahl’s. It was found in the welcome received at The Mission House, and Nancy Robert’s emails, her concern for us and securing our breakfast groceries? Goodness, grace, caring -there was plently distributed!



This was God's soul food that we feasted on!


Friends, it was all of that! Rev. LaVerne Gill and Rev. Dr. George Wirth’s sweet spirit and devotion to service and inclusivity were spiritual presents, just like the inviting tall-backed white rocking chairs found on the porches.


How did this equation of people and spirt connect so well? It must have been the divine configuration of new clergy? Was it their partners and spouses which created an uplifting support community, new kinships/friendships and love for brethren which trust and understand our reliance of a sure foundation? Yes, I too believe it was that and a culmination of chats, the impressive and varying architecture, creative artisans, hearty luncheons, the ingenious visual and performing arts? Friends it must be God's love woven throughout!


Hands down, it 's evident in The anointed Religion Department with their stellar leadership team of: Joan, Will, “Penny” and, Cameron and the fine supporters (i.e. Daney-Holden Family Foundation, Robertson Foundation, Constance Somers and Sam and Sarah Everett McLaren and others I am confident). Just possibly it's the rich panel discussions, the genuine embraces, Dr. Forbes’ affirmations, receptions, testimonies, unbelievable landscapes, and culminating worship experiences gathering diverse religious and cultures converging and partaking in the wonderful Chautauqua Experience!



This Chautauqua Experience is an ongoing revival and nourishment for the mind, body and soul!


A real angel Cheryl Olney! Louise's Daughter!


I feel very confident that during our past week’s sojourn the longings of our heart were evident. This private and public awakenings erupted our spiritual and natural gifts, that I am confident of. We can be peacefully assured that God is doing a new thing in us and has not abandoned us! It's ok to acknowledge that we too are blessed even in the midst of discomforts. Thank God for the discoveries made at this historic landmark! Discoveries of self, our freedom to unmask vulnerabilities and limitations! God’s wonder filled omnipotence is present and presence enough! New leaves are falling, healing is all around.

Thank you Holy Spirit!
Thank you Dr. Forbes!
Thank you Chautauqua!


Our hearts are forever changed we're dancing in our new nature! Love has resurfaced void of ecumenical and denominational alliances. Heart matters are revealed, resistance haulted! Lord! Lord! Honest dialogue has spawned into sacred and cherished experiences. Remarkable! Remarkable!




The table is spread, let's feast! Thanks be to God!





Grateful to God for a Fresh New Wind!
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/

You’ve Got A Friend

  One of my favorite  songs is: “You’ve Got A Friend (originally by Carole King with Roberta Flack ) This song came rushing to my mind as I ...