GOOD MOOD GIG 2 CONTESTANT: THAT'S ME!

Kindly vote for me! Learn about the contest and review my profile @

http://www.sam-e.com/job/entries/748

Hope deferred makes the heart sick,

But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.
Proverbs 13:12

Some opportunities, you just don’t let by and I believe this is one! I enjoy facebook and learned that SAM-e has a contest entitled: The Good Mood Gig 2. This contest offers the winner a tremendous opportunity to write inspirational messages daily, endorse Nature Made products (inclusive of SAM-e), and be employed as a Blogger for Nature Made. Initially ,I was hesitant because of the contest’s time table and self doubts. After awhile my mind was made up! I will enterbottom line! I thought surely, I love inspirational blogging, enjoy embarking upon new projects and ideas, and certainly understand the importance of good health. My spirit said, "Count me in!" Whatever the outcome-I tried, I am in the game to win! As young people say, “It’s a no brainer.” So here I am folks, one of many who believe that I can truly represent Nature Made SAM-e Complete and yes indeed, truly represent the company well. I pray you’ll find me a worthy candidate and cast your vote daily for me. Yes, kindly vote for Linda M. from Newport News, Virginia, remember the contest ends November 10th, 2010! And please share with your friends and family my news- their vote would certainly be an additional welcomed blessing.

http://www.sam-e.com/job/entries/748

Life is filled with surprises and I am embracing this one my friends! Thanks for your wonderful support.

Overjoyed!

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 and Co-publisher of Eyes of Faith Magazine

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

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

BLESSINGS DELAYED, ARE NOT BLESSINGS DENIED!

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

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

EXPECTANT JOY!

Photography by Richard Meadows

Commit your way to the Lord,

Trust also in Him,

And He shall bring it to pass.

Psalm 37:5

This was a real joy, seeing first hand this beautiful bird's nest with turquoise colored eggs in our backyard. My husband announced with joy, "We have a bird's nest in our yard that you need to see!" I said,"Ok show me, let's get the camera!"

He said in jest, "Ok at your own risk, don't be surprised if you get your eyes pecked out!" He reminded me that after we take the picture to be sure to cover the nest with the branch that he'd orginally cut down, not knowing what lay underneathe.

My husband pointed out that the bird is guarding the nest from predators.

Earlier that afternoon, Ricky had been busily working in our yard, mowing the lawn, cutting down bushes and clearing debris of leaves and branches. My husband said initally he ignored the bird's loud chirping. But then wondered why a bird suddenly began acting erratic with his flight pattern.

Ricky then discerned that there was something that he stumbled upon that the bird obviously wanted him to leave alone. There it was an amazing creation, the bird's nest woven intricatley together with pieces of blue plastic strips, branches, sticks and whatever else the bird had selected from nature to create this sturdy nest. Not only did it appear sturdy, but it was a beautiful masterpiece! I am so glad I could share the phot0 with you.

Imagine the time and energy this small bird devoted to creating the nest? He or she conceived in it's mind the nest and then got to work making this idea a reality! The bird or maybe several birds collectively were devoted to creating a sturdy nest to lay these eggs. They are anticipating the arrival of their creation.

Friends this is really another gift from God, encouraging us to do the same, to use the birds as a model to conceive in our minds what we endeavor to accomplish:

What are dreaming of?

What is your heart's desire?

What has God commissioned you to birth?

Well, breathe deeply and take heart! I am confident that God desires that you to get busy not only dreaming, but creating an action plan to realize it! Pray about the direction, ask Him to guide your steps and when the doors open and opportunities present themselves, trust that you are on your way to the realization of your heart's desire. It's on the way! Tell your self, " it's on the way!! " Your dream(s) can come to pass. Guard it, believe in it and see it done-it's sacred.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Thank you precious Holy Ghost for encouraging our hearts not to be timid about executing the plan that God has given us. We are active and alive and grateful that when we follow your lead and trust You, the plans, and the dreams you placed in our hearts will wonderfully unfold right before your eyes. So we will believe and choose to celebrate now with expectant joy the gift of a dream come true!! Amen!

Friends, I pray you'll be encouraged as you marvel at the beauty of nature and carry the gift of an expectant joy in your hearts.

Joyfully, Linda Mose Meadows