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!
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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
