'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' Jeremiah 29:11
July 1st we happily became residents of New
Haven , Connecticut Florida
to the northeast “New England ”. So many blessings,
prophetic encouragements and prayers were sandwiched together; it was no doubt
that we were headed in an amazing direction. We’d known the hard knocks-was
well acquainted with ministry hurdles, understood the signals, experienced the many
past life lessons, endured much and was once again extremely thankful for the
divine progression. Oh to see the
goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! As I’ve heard it said and do
enjoy repeating it also: “For real, for real!” moving to Connecticut
was another Jeremiah 29:11 confirmation!
'For I know the plans I have for you,'
declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you
hope and a future.' Jeremiah 29:11
We acknowledged that we were not only transitioning regionally,
but mentally and spiritually to a new place in our lives, a place we’d never
frequented. But never the less it was
HOME! And, yes it’s refreshing!
Joy erupted as we eagerly embraced the realization that it
was time to head north “back home”. Back home to the changing seasons of the
northeast and a familiar urbane social and cultural terrain. Oh friends it was
time! I am sure that my soul acknowledged that. “Yes, it is time to experience
God anew.”
And of course we arrived in New England
before our belongings and daily counted down the days when our truck load of furnishings
would arrive. The house had an empty hollow “house echoing sound” and that was
very distracting. After 2 weeks it struck me how we had adapted to having fewer
material possessions. It was a new rhythm. As is said, “We didn’t miss a beat!”
We gleefully sat at the kitchen bar to eat our meals, smiling and had fun
jockeying for the thrift store treasure of the chair with matching ottoman. If
I wanted to languish outdoors I’d sit on the comfy furnishings on the backyard
deck. And in that time our focus shifted from our stuff to learning about our
“new” New England surroundings, becoming acquainted with
members of the church, learning about the active ministry events, connecting
with neighbors and making friends. And when the moving van finally did arrive I
realized that we could make it with fewer treasures unpacked. Exhaling, I acknowledged that there was no
need to open each and every box and/or hang our entire art collection. Our focus
and ministry direction has shifted beautifully! Once again God has done
exceedingly more than we could imagine. Hearts are receptive and the anointed works
are blossoming. The past month’s activities have reflected unspeakable joy
which is captured in the photos below. There is a joy that is assured that God has
planted us here because..." our desires are in agreement with His thoughts for us." 1 John 5:15.
Joy is spilling over because it's good to be home…..
I’ve
begun to weekly volunteer at St. Luke’s Clothes Closet. I look forward to being
there. Truly the selecting, folding, sorting and arranging puts a smile on my
face and lifts my spirit when the community comes for free clothing and
household items. I eagerly greet and interact with them and sometimes help them
with hunting for particular items. Often a conversation ensues and I realize
they are in need of much more than the tangible. A word from the Lord often
brings an assurance and a relief that they’ve come to the right place. As they
search for items God is extending a helping hand through our volunteer
services. On one particular day, I noticed a little girl “helping” her Mommy
shop and I discovered a pink jacket asked her Mommy if she could have it and
the child’s expression was absolutely precious! Permission was granted for me
to share and photograph this blessed moment. I trust you are also smiling! Joy
is contagious!
The
doors of the church are open! St. Luke's Services is indeed a beacon of hope in
our community-lifting, feeding, edifying loving and sharing the Gospel of
Jesus Christ. I’d like to think that ministry is an action word!
Our
beloved and devoted parishioner Edward F. Mapp, Business Manager of St. Luke's Steel Band has
music in his heart! St. Luke’s Steel Band ministers throughout New
England and the surrounding states! These stellar
musicians bring tremendous joy wherever they travel and perform.
Morning
Glory! Breakfast partners: the Community Soup Kitchen and St. Luke's Episcopal
Church serving our guests-the children of God of course! It’s a meal that is
certainly appreciated!
Partnering with the community for creative fun and cultural ministry opportunities
is another demonstration of God at work. He gives us the energy, creativity and
our heart’s desire and before long paths are crossed and the fruit of
partnerships beautifully blossom (i.e. St. Luke’s parishioners, Shop &
Save, New Haven Dept. Of Recreation, Yale Health Systems, Anthony Thompson, The
Diaper Bank, Fish, New Haven Free Public Library Stetson Branch, Hon.
Jacqueline James, Alderwoman Ward 3,
Yale University’s Dwight Hall tutors) with far reaching
effects. I realize this is just the start of good things to come! St.
Luke’s ministry bounty and community outreach is truly growing! And clearly God
is touching hearts and directing our path!
I am sure you agree
that it’s a wonderful season where faith is abounding, joy has erupted and we can’t
help but, smile! Thank you Lord for all you are doing!
Pastor Richard
Meadows and Linda Mose Meadows, Inspirational Author
Shared
in Love, Linda Mose Meadows; Blogger, Motivational Speaker and Inspirational
Author of: Destined To Receive: Reflections and Devotionals Celebrating The
Love of God (Createspace, 2013) and Blessedness of Believing A Devotional
Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises (Tate Publishing, 2007)
