Sunday, January 27, 2013

BRAVE HEARTS



Expressive art creation: Turn It Up by Paul Goodnight


“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Used by Nelson Mandela in his 1994 inaugural speech


There’s a burning in our hearts for change! Around the globe people from all cultures and walks of life have spearheaded a movement that is boldly declaring an end in the US and abroad to the atrocity of modern day slavery. Yes, human trafficking!

This evolving movement is like the drip on a leaky faucet-constant and unyielding; and that means freedom and relief for countless innocent souls.

Not only are there rallies occurring, but supporter’s are gathering in prayer first, producing movies like “I Am Slave”. This movie directed by Film Maker Gabriel Range certainly rattles our comfort zones and demonstrates how unsuspecting Sudanese families are destroyed today because their daughters are abducted, and bartered like grain in a sophisticated social slavery system. They are preyed upon in an underground slavery movement which is rapidly growing. But thank God for determined captives yearning for freedom and  the human rights advocates tirelessly galvanizing others. They are modern day resourceful trailblazers!




Because of these trailblazers, there are vanishing sleeping giants-awakening public educations forums are mushrooming, watchmen/watchwomen vigilantly guarding communities and creating unsuspected havens of safety. These Prayer Warriors are mightily flourishing. They are those that feel an urgency-an unction to address this social ill and it’s like a steam roller, rapid firing dominoes causing this evil to topple over! It may be gradual, but oh it's happening! Good results are occurring just ask Carolina Diplan founder of Home of Change. The Home of Change organization has locations in the United States, Netherlands, Dominican Republic and in Tajikistan, their motto is: Home of Change Restoring Freedom. Ms. Diplan joyfully attests to young girl’s lives being restored and hope birthed for those that had been well acquainted with the brutality of this modern day slavery. Prayers are being answered!

Adamant voices, many outcries of indignation, heartfelt prayers, exhaustive work, capital campaigns, goods, services, and techno savvy organizations are helping revitalize many once shaken communities. They have hunted down many of the human trafficking schemes. It’s a new season; Immigrants are not being victimized so easily. Trustworthy endeavors are more readily available than in the past years. So much good has come as a result of  these efforts to end this dastardly practice of human trafficking! Genesis 50:20 aptly pronounces:

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to
 accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (NIV)


Thank the Lord that many victims and their loved ones voices are not being permanently snuffed out-silenced. How do I know? Well I contend that if the Government Agencies and Non-Profit services that I recently learned of in Orlando are any indication of the host of resources and services that are birthed nationwide, we are certainly moving in a positive direction. So glad that I was invited and attended with friend Dr. Lorraine Harris (an the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. member) the 5th Annual Human Trafficking Awareness Day: In Our Own Backyard. We ventured around Lake Eola meeting many committed civic and faith based organizers which I have listed below in Resource list, heard spoken artists and singer Evan Taylor Jones (who really crooned Bob Marley’s hit) and witnessed the outstanding Pop Shop and an uplifting skit performed by youth leaders of: It’s Yes School of Performing Arts. Truly it was a day of enlightenment dedicated to educating and eradicate modern day slavery!





The statistics are startling; reportedly there are 27 million slaves in the world. They are young children, teens and yes, even adults which have been abducted, bought and sold right under our noses-stolen from our midst without a trace. But with the help of many, freedom can be more than a dream. With prayers and gifted services slavery can be abolished and the guilty brought to shame. Here are a list of services which may be beneficial to you, your advocacy endeavors and interest groups. Help awaits you! 


I pray that freedom will be restored for brokenhearted victims and souls will be stirred to shine a light in dark places. Like everything, change starts with us! Our beloved Dr. Martin Luther King says: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere!”


SEVERAL RESOURCES* DEDICATED TO
 HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS
                                            (*Resources located in Orlando-Central Florida)

City of Orlando Police Department
Department of Children & Families
Mexican Consulate Orlando
Orange County Children’s Advocacy Center
Orange County Library System
P.P. Greater Orlando
UCF Victim Services
USCIS- US Citizenship and Immigration Services
360 Foundation
Amnesty International
Chapter 519
Born2fly Project
Boystown of Central Florida
Burning Hearts, Inc.
Child Rescue Network
Covenant House Florida, Devereux
Exodus Cry@OHOP
Florida Abolitionist
Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking
Forgiven Much Ministries
H.O.M.E.
Home of Change
Hope City Ministries of Discovery Church
Images of Glory, Inc.
International Justice Mission
Out of Life, Inc.
Releasing Chains
Students Against Slavery
Chapter of IAHTI
The Hope Mercy Love Foundation, Inc.
The Salvation Army Orlando Area Command
Trafficking In America Task Force
Victim Service Center of Central Florida, Inc.
Women At Risk International
Youth for Human Rights International
Youth With A Mission Orlando
Zebra Coaltion



Prayer of Hope:
Lord we are accountable to you, and endeavor to offer life changing help to those in need. Our hearts are burning with compassion! Save those and provide a lively hope to all that have been victimized, wounded and suffered at the hands of evil. Shine your light on all darkness and let no evil prevail. Give us grace and wisdom on what to do and how to make an impact for the good of your kingdom. Thank you for leading us with purpose and direction and most assuredly with the resources to do your will; we declare that we shall overcome! In Jesus mighty name! Amen, amen!


God Riches Blessings to You, Linda Mose Meadows, Inspirational Author of:
The Blessedness of Believing, A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lesson’s and God’s Promises

Saturday, January 12, 2013

A GIFT 4 YOU, HAPPY NEW YEAR! IT'S 2013!


Beautiful art by Charles Bibbs-Gift 4
acquire it at: http://theworldart.com/wp-content/uploads/1000x1000_The_Gift_4_handpainted.jpg


It's a new season of promise and possibility! I pray you'll soar in 2013! May God continue to bless you abundantly as He lifts and encourages you and yours!


 God's Word of Life on Health and Healing



Psalm 103:2-3
New International Version (NIV)

Praise the Lord, my soul,

    and forget not all his benefits—

    and heals all your diseases, who forgives all of your sins

Jeremiah 30:17

New International Version (NIV)
But I will restore you to health

    and heal your wounds,’

declares the Lord,
‘because you are called an outcast,
    Zion for whom no one cares.’



James 5:14-15

New International Version (NIV)

 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.

Jeremiah 17:14

New International Version (NIV) 
Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed;

    save me and I will be saved,

    for you are the one I praise.


Psalm 30:1-2
New International Version (NIV)
I will exalt you, Lord,

    for you lifted me out of the depths

    and did not let my enemies gloat over me.
 
Lord my God, I called to you for help,
    and you healed me



Enjoy, Kirk Whalum The Gospel According To Jazz III



God Riches Blessings to You, Linda Mose Meadows, Inspirational Author of:
The Blessedness of Believing, A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lesson’s and God’s Promises


Thursday, December 13, 2012

(Excerpt) Enhancing Our Spiritual Walk, Growing In Christ Through Embracing A Spirit of Expectation





May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

This message was shared at Greater Works Christian Ministries, Church of God In Christ during their Annual Women's Day on Sunday, December 9, 2012. Often we miss the move of God and abandon having a lively hope because we're preoccupied. Inspirational Author, Linda Mose Meadows sheds light on the importance of embracing a spirit of expectation which is for the believer's greater good, no matter the appearance nor situation. God knows the plans that He has for each of us, we are encouraged to expect the best and push towards reaching our hearts desire especially in the midst of life's many challenges. Open your hearts and minds and claim what's yours! God does reward those who have a heart to serve others. And most importantly trust that it's all in His hands!





Praise Him, Praise Him!

Linda Mose Meadows, Inspirational Author of:
The Blessedness of Believing, A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lesson’s and God’s Promises

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

IMMANUEL,THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING!



"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us."
Matthew 1:23 New International Version




It’s a magical time of year whether you reside in Suncity, South Africa; Tempee, Arizona; Vancouver, Canada or Buffalo, New York. It has not so much to do with the temperature, location, arid or blistering heat but everything to do with embarking upon another Holy Christmas season and freely receiving the ultimate gift of Jesus Christ, Immanuel. Truly it doesn’t get any better!

Oh come, Oh come Immanuel, we sang this song with such excitement. It seems at every turn there it was! Especially when Christmas caroling and then as a closing or an opening hymn during our Sunday worship services the message was clear it was about celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior. And yes-proclaiming peace on earth and goodwill towards all! How we love baking our delectable cookies, trimming our trees and decorating our homes as we are singing happily Oh Come, Oh Come Immanuel!  Secular radio stations have even caught on and play it on R & B stations. It’s that miraculous, holy time of year and all can freely express that Immanuel means: “God with us!” Now that does give me a special reassuring comfort! What about you?

Our spirits can proclaim that God is with us in our unpredictable ups and downs; God is even there during the most perplexed life chapters! God is with us in our celebrations, as well as our silent seasons. Friends, believe that God is forever present!

He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer,
my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.
Psalm 144:2 NIV


One of the absolute best Christmas gifts given to you was what? Something that made your heart skip a beat, a piece of clothing you felt you couldn’t do without? That art piece which absolutely tugged at your heart? Possibly it was a handmade creation, a treasured trinket, a one of a kind toy, the tin can of heavenly baked goodies, or the phone call from a friend you longed to reconnect with or was it the gathering of loved ones reminiscing and their laughter filling the room?  I don’t know? But I recall the Kodak slogan: “The gift that keeps on giving.” That’s the gift I truly long for! The material (admittedly) and but certainly the supernatural! It’s a spiritual re-gifting of sorts that provides all my friends and family with an infilling of love, peace and joy when the sweater is too snug and the goodies have been gobbled up. I AM with you gift, why not receive a living water gift that we didn’t have to be stampeded over during Black Friday or risk experiencing our computers being hacked into on Cyber Monday because we choose not to shop at the mall!

Are you in search of the perfect treasure to share? Imagine it’s already in your presence, in your spirit, in your speech, in your essence! It’s a thanksgiving, a spiritual rumbling, the voice within that is ignited in prayer which connects us with a divine source, Emmanuel-in us! Oh my friends it’s easier than reaching for the light switch! It’s forever with us! God is listening and awaiting the attentive, the loving, the longing you! The you with the hungry parched spirit! He’s awaiting your surrendered heart & soul! And does He ever have a heartfelt conversation for you!

It’s your call! Come timidly or boldly! Reach out to Him in a whispered petition, an audible plea, or maybe in a silent moment-sacred devotional, a broken bow, or an exhilarating breath, an utterance of: “Lord I know you are with me!” Come with a declaration: “Lord I am weak, worn-out and tried-but you are strong! Help me, save me, guide me!”

It’s the soul awakening moment that acknowledges that our God is all the present we need to share-we need to receive! Think of God's love, His gift as a divine package that resembling ornate, stacked gift boxes containing a three in one blessing-the Father, Son (Jesus Christ) and Holy Ghost with instructions designed to propel, mend and sustain you! And the really good news is when we may not have an overflowing bank account or the energy to purchase gifts which will be long forgotten or appreciated, we can look to the hills from where our help comes from!

Let’s declare that Jesus Christ is the ultimate gift that can be had by all, no matter what’s in our Christmas Club Accounts! Be sure to include celebrating Jesus in your gift giving. Merry Christmas!

"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us."
Matthew 1:23 New International Version






Praise Him, Praise Him!
Linda Mose Meadows, Inspirational Author of:
The Blessedness of Believing, A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lesson’s and God’s Promises

Monday, November 5, 2012

GOD MOVES IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS!



Storm over ocean by  Diana Aldrich
http://pinterest.com/pin/142074563215923628/

  
From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. 
Lead me to the towering rock of safety,  Psalm 61:2


Is this not the most beautiful storm photography you've ever seen? This photo makes me appreciate that from where we stand in a storm depends upon our perspective of things, wouldn't you agree! Our perspective and anticipated outlook do a waltz. Our heart and mind commingle and one finally succumbs to the other. It really becomes the battle of the wills. Good storm, bad storm-choose! The thought of experiencing a storm is daunting. Our most recent Super Storm Sandy packed a punch that recovery efforts are staggering from. Lives have been lost and perspectives forever changed. Ask folks what matters now and surely you'll receive a variety of responses. And for those that have lived through and recovered from hellish storms or a series of storms we may be “weather” weary; but what of the outcome? If you are reading this more than likely you survived, wouldn't you say? Or just maybe we are riding it out!

As Aretha Franklin says, “It can break you or it can make,…you hold the power!”  From this view and this height we are victorious, and possibly not too beat up, unscathed if you will. But I’d like to think the storm moved out and possibly away from our vicinity. (Not always the case though! ) This view possibly represents our insight and/or perspective which now because of personal experience it assures us that we have lived to share the story!

This awe inspiring photography uplifts my spirit. I saw this on Pinterest and thought to myself, “Is this how God envisions our storms?” But what is our take, our perspective on this storm? Captivating or dreadful, depending upon our experience and mindset it can very well consume us? Just remember:

We don’t have a testimony, if we don’t testify!
We can’t be a victor if you haven’t known what it is to overcome a battle!
We can’t understand joy and/or pain if the experience is foreign!
We can’t share that Jesus is a deliverer if we haven’t known, nor recognized his compassion and life saving measures!

The more I read about the goodness of the Lord and am touched by His presence through a helping hand, a life affirming word or heartfelt gesture(s)-the clearer my understanding is  about storms serving a purpose in the particular unsettling seasons of our lives. Surely they will come, but now I am inclined to draw nearer to the Divine source, instead of cowering in fear. We can trust that during our most heart wrenching storms God will not abandon us. It’s a fact that if I’m in relationship with Him-the Holy Spirit that we can make it because "Greater is He that is in [us] than, He that is in the world!” I John 4:4

Truly He can handle what we are helpless to manage. Yes, our storms  (mental, psychological, financial, emotional, physical, relational, spiritual and natural...you name it!) sometimes seem to level us and knock us for a loop; can instead erect another stepping stone and not a road block to reaching our destiny. Later we’ll come to appreciate that the Lord had every thing under control.

Look at the tranquil water surrounding the stormy clouds and rain. The water is absolutely beautiful.  Grasp the reality that despite the natural circumstances there is a  divine, calming water surrounding us, think about that! Our life jackets are our help-the Holy Spirit and Holy Scripture, the life sustaining words written "in spirit and in truth!” John 4:24

I encourage you to discover insightful links and scriptures that address overcoming storms and remember there's power in prayer! Trust in the Lord and Lean not on your own understanding! Proverbs 3:5

 Let's keep a song in our heart, yes a song of thanksgiving! Be not afraid that:

  1. God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform; 
He plants His footsteps in the sea, And rides upon the storm.
2. Deep in unfathomable mines Of never failing skill 
He treasures up His bright designs And works His sovereign will.
 3. Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; The clouds ye so much dread 
Are big with mercy and shall break In blessings on your head.
 4. Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, 
But trust Him for His grace; Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.
5. His purposes will ripen fast, Unfolding every hour; 
The bud may have a bitter taste, But sweet will be the flower.
6.  Blind unbelief is sure to err. And scan His work in vain; 
God is His own interpreter, And He will make it plain.

 http://www.scriptureandmusic.com/Music/Text_Files/God_Moves_In_A_Mysterious_Way.html

Praise Him, Praise Him!
Linda Mose Meadows, Inspirational Author of:
The Blessedness of Believing, A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lesson’s and God’s Promises

Friday, September 28, 2012

THURS 09-13-12 (PT.II ) LINDA MOSE MEADOWS HOSTING LIBERATING TRUTH






Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2





Friends enjoy and listen in on the second of a two part series of :




LIBERATING TRUTH - "Part 2 - The Truth About My Recent Arrest" with Jill Capri-Simms, author and founder of Liberating Truth 


Aired: Thursday, September 13, 2012


Guest Host: Inspirational Author~ Linda Mose Meadows, First Lady and member of St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church of Orlando, Orlando, FL

WOKB Gospel 1680AM, Orlando, FL or www.wokbradio.com 

Start Time: 6:15pm EST
End Time: 6:45pm EST



Sharing With Great Joy,
Linda Mose Meadows, Inspirational Author of: The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises and Co-publisher of Eyes of Faith Magazine


http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/
http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/

Sunday, September 23, 2012

WE ARE WHO GOD SAYS WE ARE!



I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (NIV) Psalm 139:14

Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous--how well I know it. (NLT) Psalm 139:14


There are so many confounding labels and marketing campaigns attempting to redefine and label us. Just watch a football game or a reality show, and count the endless commercials, observe and listen to their messages, can you detect what's for sale? And be oh so careful because when you decide to go shopping your carts will be filled with items that you hadn't initially intended on purchasing! The marketing guru's are very convincing! Print media does a fine job at selling us things, especially our children! We fall prey and before long we have adopted the subliminal advertisers messages. Their techniques are subtle but effective and we tell ourselves that we can't live with out the electronic gadgets, the food, and the "gear". Advertising is a billion dollar industry creating slick, sleek, eye catching ads which work tirelessly to  bribe us into believing that we can be better, smarter, thinner and accomplished if we have "their" brand, "their" products and "their" services. But it's never free, it costs and there are consequences!  If only we buy the right make-up, the bigger bling, the smart and fashionable furnishings, the expensive perfumes and the correct fiber foods-whatever the day's hot commodity is, once acquired, then and only then  will we "A-ok" !


But when the rubber meets the road and life's issues begin to take precedence over the mounting acquisitions of more stuff, and none of it does the trick for addressing our personal and spiritual development. So what does?  What will and can be replaced with our retail therapy, cluttered mindset and desire to have more? I believe I know what can halt the thirst or quench and deliver or parched souls. Possibly it's an elixir of truth about who's we are and to whom we belong. You need not spare any of your hard earned dollars, just know that your bill was paid at Calvary. Jesus did it for us! There are no price comparisons required or merchandise to be had. Only requirement that you need embrace is a willing heart, a renewed mind and an active search-a knocking if you will, a heartfelt searching! Yes, we need only participate in searching for an everlasting truth! A truth that beckons us to embrace a life sustaining friendship where if we knock God answers.

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. NLT Matthew 7:7

"Knock and the door will be open." Try an application of divine love. Love that delivers us and answers to questions that your soul is begging for! The advertisers dare not convey your beloved identity! If they told you, you'd have no need for their stuff, their trinkets, their clothing, their lipsticks, their enhancers and certainly not their footware. Just think of what the Divine desires to share with you regarding your true identity and purpose. Oh my friend, it exceeds the messages we are daily bombarded with. Your are more then adequate in Jesus Christ-triumphant, energized and delievered! Think of what God offers you and yours as a heathy alernative, a Holy Ghost elixir an infilling that will never rust or corrode. Here are several encouraging bible scriptures that will delight your very being! Scriptures that reveal who we are in Christ Jesus and what a King and Lord that is in love with you, thinks of you and me!

Our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, He dwells in us
1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19



We are joined in the Lord and am one spirit with Him .
1 Corinthians 6:17



God leads us in the triumph and knowledge of Christ .
2 Corinthians 2:14



The hardening of our mind has been removed in Christ .
2 Corinthians 3:14



We are new creatures in Christ .
2 Corinthians 5:17



We have become the righteousness of God in Christ .
2 Corinthians 5:21


Truly it's personal! And does it ever take work focusing on our personal, spiritual development!
But the benefits outway the failed attempts to kill our progress. The benefits indeed are powerfully positive-our generations to come will reap the harvest because we are heathy and generational bondages won't be able reek havoc. There's not a thing that the advertisers can sell me that God won't and can't provide. But we must seek Him, pray for continued guidance and sustenance! Come on friends let's stay connected to the tree of life. It's all in the Bible, the Holy Scriptures!  God reminds us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made! We rejoice in the commitment of our growth! Thank you Lord for the awakening our spirits, We are who you say we are!


We have been made one with all who are in Christ Jesus .
Galatians 3:28



We are no longer a slave but a child of an heir .
Galatians 4:7



We have been set free in Christ .
Galatians 5:1



We have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places .
Ephesians 1:3



We are chosen, holy, and blameless before God .
Ephesians 1:4


Walter Hawkins and Donnie McClurkin - Thank You



Praise Him, Praise Him!
Linda Mose Meadows, Inspirational Author of:
The Blessedness of Believing, A devotional Journey of Life's Lesson's and God's Promises


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 ...