I COULDN'T HAVE SAID IT ANY BETTER

Leo Buscaglia, Ph. D., has written thirteen books, most of which deal with the experience of love. At one time, five of his books appeared on the New York Times best-seller list concurrently.His first book, Love, has been a continual best seller for twenty years. Over 18 million of his books are in circulation and have been translated into seventeen languages.

Information and photo from: http://www.intouchmag.com/interview.html

“It's not enough to have lived.

We should be determined to live for something.

May I suggest that it be creating joy for others, sharing what we have for the

betterment of personkind, bringing hope to the lost and love to the lonely.”

—Dr. Leo Buscaglia (1924-1998); author, professor of special education

I couldn’t have said it any better. Some thirty years ago at least- I was then a student at Howard University and remember speaking with my mother on the dormitory hall phone about school, classes and the exciting things I was learning and doing. Somehow we often concluded our conversation about public television. Often Washington, D.C.'s programming would precede Buffalo's programming format. So I'd learn some thing new about history, politics, King Tut or a musical tribute to Ella before she did. The bottom line was we always appreciated and benefited from the insightful programming presented on public television. We felt better about what we learned, it was great mental food -truly mentally stimulating.

On one occassion I missed this motivating doctor that my Mama spoke about. I listened intently as she commented about this passionate speaker Dr. Leo Buscalia. He expressed himself with total body language -with conviction about our humanity and love language learned from his little robust Italian Mama. All that was said was wonderfully encouraging and so "Mama like" the diction not perfect but her message crystal clear. In his depiction , Dr. Buscaglia was animated and really funny. When he spoke you were in the moment , in the kitchen eating pasta with him. Finally after seeing the PBS program and hearing him speak I concurred-it just made such good sense. It was a universal Mama lesson to respect others, love and revere life. He spoke the plain truth and it was memorable!

Just like all of our Mama’s we learn by their example.

Since that conversation with my own mother, I too have enjoyed countless PBS episodes and books where Dr. Bauscalia speaks to the heart of mankind to love better for life’s sake. I contend that it’s a needed ingredient in our complex living.

Today, The Foundation for a Better Life.Org sent this timely e-inspirational message with a quote from Dr. Buscaglia. This inspirational note was a pleasant reminder my friends why God placed me on this earth and that I believe is to be His divine and loving example. I trust you’ll embrace this teaching also,if you haven't from this day forward? Visit your public libraries, discover Dr. Buscaglia's work and relish the love message .

Here’s an interview with Dr. Busgalia’s own words, http://www.intouchmag.com/interview.html enjoy, share, reflect and for God’s sake-live your best life and love more! Bless you!

God's word-the Holy Scripture to encourage us to love:

New Living Translation
1 Corinthians 13

If I could speak in any language in heaven or on earth [fn1] but didn't love others, I would only be making meaningless noise like a loud gong or a clanging cymbal.

2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I knew all the mysteries of the future and knew everything about everything, but didn't love others, what good would I be? And if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain and make it move, without love I would be no good to anybody.

3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; [fn2] but if I didn't love others, I would be of no value whatsoever.
4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud

5 or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged.

6 It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.

7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
8 Love will last forever, but prophecy and speaking in unknown languages [fn3] and special knowledge will all disappear.

9 Now we know only a little, and even the gift of prophecy reveals little!

10 But when the end comes, these special gifts will all disappear.
11 It's like this: When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child does. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.

12 Now we see things imperfectly as in a poor mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. [fn4] All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God knows me now.
13 There are three things that will endure-faith, hope, and love-and the greatest of these is love.

Joyfully Submitted by Linda Mose Meadows

The Blessedness of Believing-A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

A SPLENDID AFTERNOON SPENT AT WALDEN BOOKS-CHESAPEAKE SQUARE MALL, PORTSMOUTH, VA.

Praise the Lord! For he has heard my cry for mercy.

The Lord is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trust in him with all my heart.

He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.

Burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

Psalm 28: 6, 7

The day was just that Splendid. As I enjoyed my short lunch walk I wondered for a moment, how should I describe my Saturday afternoon experience? It wasn’t just another weekend to catch up on housework; although it’s really needed. The word splendid popped in my mind. I reflected on how wonderfully splendid described the day!

Today as I walked around campus during my routine lunch hour with crunched the leaves underfoot, I couldn’t help but smile, remembering how I used to love playing in the leaves. These walks confirm for me that change is imminent. A year ago book signings weren’t really anything I wanted to think too hard about. And when the ATP (answer to prayer) was realized my stomach would be in knots the morning of the event. It’s gotten so much better now, I’m more relaxed and I fully appreciate that this is God’s doing being Author Linda Mose Meadows! It’s amazing how God changes our seasons! I knew it would bring home the point of splendid if I goggled and found the definition. Well here it is:

splen·did [ spléndəd ]
adjective

Definition:

1. magnificent: impressive because of quality or size
2. radiant: reflecting light brilliantly
3. excellent: excellent or highly enjoyable
4. acclaimed: very well known and acclaimed

Last weekends’ book signing was indeed another excellent opportunity for God to display His intent for my book. There is much that is being revealed but what I believe is the book signings aren’t simply to say, “Hey I am an author. ” But more importantly it’s an opportunity to share my journey with experiencing God’s grace and mercy when I wondered what in the world was occurring? While at Walden Books I was greeted enthusiastically by book lovers, several of which are authors and those curious by my presence.

The night before the signing, my dear friend Katherine Brown phoned me and we chatted for a brief moment and then she inquired about Saturday. I shared my book signing event and immediately she prayed for the success of the signing and that those that didn’t know Jesus would after my testimony about The Blessedness of Believing would! Her heartfelt prayers must have kissed heaven. Her fervrent prayer was evident by the number of curious onlookers and customers present during the book signing. Before long it looked and felt as though we were having a party. Friends, it’s humbling trying to explain a move of God.

I appreciate that God honored Katherine’s prayer request and blessed me in my book promotion as well as Walden Books. That afternoon wrapped up with devotional lovers, parents, students and a military family which purchased the devotional as a gift for her husband at sea. I was thrilled to see other writing comrades (authors: Susan New, Rique Johnson, Phyllis Johnson and Dr. Helen Luster) and those led to make their way in the vicinity of Walden Book Store that learned of The Blessedness Of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises and said, “Surely I’ll buy your book!” I thank God for them and how it was yep- such a splendid afternoon spent at Walden Books.

Joyfully Submitted by Linda Mose Meadows

The Blessedness of Believing-A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises

Enjoy other writings:Click on Blessed Chronicles
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

IT'S A NEW SEASON ~ IT'S A NEW DAY!

THERE IS HOPE IN YOUR FUTURE.

JEREMIAH 31:17

It’s A New Day, America Gives Way to its Future, America Celebrates, Welcome President Obama and the news paper titles go on and on. Could this possibly be a voice in the wilderness? I contend that yes indeed it’s a banner day friends. I’ve open a zillion emails, watched CNN till my weary eyes slid shut, awoke to more television and radio news regarding another state’s electoral votes earned for President Elect Obama and giggled with family and friends about new possibilities, cried tears of joy as I sat watching the TV cameras pan and take me to the White House, Atlanta, GA, California, Chicago, Sydney Australia, Obama, Japan, the middle east and back into the confines of my home. As tears streamed down my face, I requested that my husband pinch me so I knew that this was not a dream but an exciting start for our nation, the world and our personal futures. An ambassador that readily is inclusive of all- is in our midst.

As Israel and New Breed sing, I see increase all around me-take the limits off! Nov. 4th @11pm marked a brand new era for American History, the books slammed shut on the old regime. A humanitarian was elected, a man that reveres God and loves his family, a US Senator with a diverse heritage and lineage that stretches across the Atlantic Ocean. Then Senator Obama’s clarion call captured our hearts and galvanized young, old, men, and women to embrace a new philosophy of hope and change!

This was not politics as usual! His message was a piercing light that seemed to shone through the fog of economic upheaval! This light shattered numerous myths namely that President Elect wasn’t qualified nor fit for the campaign endurance trail. Record numbers of individuals campaigned with him to get out the vote and in the end democracy stood taller than the naysayer and the malcontents.

We are alive to tell the story and celebrate this phenomenal occurance. It’s a blessing to have witnessed history first hand. I choose to think that it’s God’s providence; it’s a movement unlike anything the world has witnessed. This movement is bigger than all of us and our individual agendas, it’s spiritual, it’s active, it’s electric. Our lives are better for it. All things are possible to those who believe. It’s apparent. I think about Nelson Mandela and how God allowed him to survive prison and ultimately become President Mandela. many imagined could this possibly be realized ! The answer is a resounding , "YES!" Once again this is a testament that there is hope in our futures. Join me in saying, job well done to all that exercised faith like never before and are now witnesses to tell the story! Thank you for your vision and pursuing your dream President Elect Barack Obama! You are anointed for the call! May God bless and keep us!

Submitted by Linda Mose Meadows, Author of :
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises

We Are The Ones Song by will.i.am - Obama


We Are The Ones Song

WRITERS ON THURSDAYS~ A NEW PROGRAM SERIES

“I am a part of all that I have met.”

—Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809-1892); British Poet Laureate

Foundations For A Better Life Quote of the Day 10/24/08

Not that long ago my cousin Omar and I were chatting about self improvement activities we should engage in. He loves Toast Master’s and I immediately piped up that I felt that that was an excellent opportunity to learn how to be an engaging and effective speaker. That’s on my future to-do list.

Truthfully, Omar speaks quite well in my estimation and does easily engage you when he’s conversing. He loves the commrodre, challenge and mentally stimulating exercise-the personal and professonal benefits are tremendous. That must have been my divine cue-to step it up and seek out what I long to do. I agreed that I should do more by way of joining a book club, a literary society, writer’s group; something that instilled personal growth. It's not bad for the selfesteem either. I imagined how rewarding it would be to knitted together in a literary circle. I am convinced that the very act of speaking my heart's desire caused it to be birthed in the natural. Not exactly right away, but the realization –the birth of what I was yearning for came!

And I am delighted to share that one of the very best things I could have ever done for myself was follow-through on an invitation to join a writer’s group at Hampton’s Public Library.

In the past when an similar opportunity came knocking, I shied away. My excuses were many: the driving distance was too much, the hour too late, the day of the week inconvenient and so it went. You know how we can do when we are timid, uncertain, worried-whatever you wish to pen it-yep AFRAID! This time when the invitation was extended, I was willing (I recalled my conversation with Omar)! I told myself that no matter what other family and work responsibilities existed this was something that I really needed to do for me-join a supportive writer's group. “Thank God I didn’t talk myself out of this wonderful gift of attending the Writers on Thursdays program series for “every writer every Thursday, every month October 2008-June 2009:” This group is held 6:30 pm EST conveniently at the:

Hampton Public Library
4207 Victoria Blvd.
Hampton,VA. 23669
(757) 727-1154

The Weekly Sessions are:
1st Thursday, Writer’s on Writing
2nd Thursday Kinship of Authors
3rd Thursday, Writers on Writing
4th Thursday, Thursday Open Mic

You’ll have the benefit of learning so much at these gatherings (acceptance and coonfirmation in this writer’s community). Meet those equally passionate about prose, their calling, their gift(s) and just enjoy the sheer synergy of being connected with other writers.

Let me encourage you to step confidently through the library doors and walk pass the book shelves-enter the meeting room (enthusiastically ) join us, there's no prerequisites, no mandated genres, no dues/fees and no age limit; just bring an ear to hear, an accepting spirit and a heart to share with other fervent writers what’s been deposited into your spirit. Imagine, it’s absolutely free! Come on and embrace the gift!

Joyfully Submitted by:Linda Mose Meadows, author:

The Blessedness of Believing

A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lesson’s and God’s Promises

Enjoy other writings:

Click on Blessed Chronicles http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com

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

SOMETIMES WE HAVE TO ENCOURAGE OURSELVES

You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand.”
www.forabetterlife.org
—Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924), 28th U.S. President

Thanks to the quote of the day from Foundations For A Better Life. This inspirational quote also encouraged my heart. Admittedly, I am upset, yes really angry, but understand that I can’t let these frustrations hinder my goals (as I prepared for work this morning-that thought layed heavy on my mind)-yes we’ve got to speak life into our situations and encourage ourselves during those instances. I truly am internalizing that now!

I was blown away when I discovered I couldn’t enter my personal email, only to discover that hackers, thieves, and bandits whatever you wish to call these folks. My husband informed me that a relative phoned him and wondered if I were ok? I was puzzled by the inquiry and continued on with work. I then received an email which made it very clear. Apparently the hackers sent all my e-contacts a letter indicating that I was stranded in England (a place I’ve yet to visit), lost my wallet (heaven forbid) and needed a great sum of money to return to the US. The suggested way I was allegedly going to return home was by my contacts going to Western Union wiring money.

Lord knows my heart hurts just to share this nonsense! It’s a SCAM!! A LIE, FRAUD! This fabulous and elaborate tale was shared with all my family, friends, new contacts, colleagues and whoever received this contrived mess! They must still be scratching their heads! I’ve requested from HOT MAIL that this account be disabaled-certaintly I can’t use it, but I want the crooks stopped because they are sending messages with my name attached. Oh I pray that others can see through this lie!

Friends I want vindication, I want an immediate resolution, certainly I don’t want my character maligned or integrity questioned. I’ve contacted the proper authorities and taken measures to contact law enforcement, Western Union, Hot Mail, etc., etc! But the truth is: just maybe I will miss seeing the crooks apprehended, just possibly this matter of closing out my hotmail account will take longer than I had hoped for- (automated messages seem to be protocol-I’ve been unable to speak with a human being) and just possibly some unsuspecting soul is being set up now and they too will suffered through the uncertainty of having their email compromised and identity stolen!

Friends, safeguard your identity as best you can. Google sites that educate you about combating identity fraud. But more importantly know that God still sits on the throne and cares about what concerns us! Take heart, share your frustrations with Him, don’t abandon your dreams and visions. Don’t be consumed by the evil, breathe! And take comfort- trust that what the enemy meant for our demise, well God meant it for your good! Tuck this scripture in your heart and move on! We will be all right!!

"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

Joyfully Submitted by:

Linda Mose Meadows, author

The Blessedness of Believing

A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lesson’s and God’s Promises

Enjoy other writings:

Click on Blessed Chronicles http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

JON ONYE LOCKARD~GREAT & ANOINTED VISIONS

We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,

which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10

“The need for devotion to something outside ourselves is even more profound than the need for companionship. If we are not to go to pieces or wither away, we must have some purpose in life; for no man can live for himself alone.”
—Ross Parmenter; writer, anthropologist
Foundationforabetterlife.org

I literally felt the urgency to attend this awe inspiring art exhibit of Jon Lockard’s Reclamation, Reconstruction and Reaffirmation at Hampton University. And quickly understood why I just couldn’t conclude my work day and arrive at the exhibit fast enough! God had something wonderful in store for me and others on that particular evening! My spirit, oh my soul, my eyes, my heart delighted in this masterful work that was presented on the evening of September 26, 2008. As you entered the exhibit “Lord Take My Hand” was the first piece which clearly opened the way for guests. How appropriate –it set the stage for not only a tremendous evening but for all guests ushered into the gallery.

As I witnessed gallery guests appreciating this masterful exhibit, I too was in that number! I could feel the depth and compassion of not only the painter but easily embrace the subject matter of Reclamation, Reconstruction and Reaffirmation. I didn’t have to just appreciate the art; I could visibly witness the artist’s humbly interacting and greeting those that realized that Jon Onye Lockard was present- in the gallery. Yes friends, he was in the house! I hope his wife also felt the esteem, the admiration and the appreciation that was directed toward her amazing husband. The contemporary, “renaissance griot” was present and had so much on his mind and heart.

It was evening to become saturated with the artist and all of the pearls of wisdom he imparted. He praised his mentor John Biggers and saluted his contemporaries- their artistic works adorned the halls of the Hampton University Museum,also. For a moment he lead in praise and worship! The atmosphere was ripe with thanksgiving! He shared that he had had an opportunity to see his comrades, his teachers and mentors work in the gallery earlier that day. his heart and mind couldn't fathom that this opportunity was being realized. This was hallow ground! We all chuckled, but understood his sincerity when he remarked that he was “afraid to go to sleep because surely I must have died and gone to heaven-I might not wake up.” He further commented, “You all have no idea!” He closed his eyes for a brief moment and I knew that He was praising God for that joy and that moment in which he was allowed to experience and to live see that day.

Truth be told we were blessed for being in his presence and Haki Madhubuti’s (Essayist, Poet, CEO and founder of Third World Press, Distinguished University Professor, founder and director emeritus of the Gwendolyn Brooks Center for Black Literature and Creative Writing and director of the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program at Chicago State Univ ) poem which was presented to Jon Lockard resonated with that truth. Great love was expressed for Jon’s dedication to awakening our consciousness and instilling pride across the nation through his artistic master pieces.

As Jon sat on a stool the listeners were spell bound with his lecture as he shared his story through poetry, stirring gospel music, and a video chronicling our/his African and American Legacy and his interpretations of survival, love, triumph and ultimately realizing was it meant to be an artist-a painter passionate about life! Painting gave Jon's living new meaning! Certainly this man appreciates and realizes how God has anointed him to share his gift, address the divine that resides in us and to celebrate our humanity and dignity. I felt a greater since of pride and appreciation of my African and American heritage,ancestry and can’t stop praising God for an awesome evening.

I pray you’ll have an opportunity to visit the Hampton University Museum or visit an exhibit of Jon’s work in your community.

Take a moment, behold and enjoy Visions of Destiny, Inc. http://www.jononye.com/

My prayer of thanksgiving:

Thank you Lord for providing us with Jon’s celebration of masterful art work of our humanity and his inner vision of your beauty and love towards us! May he live to know our appreciation of him and continue realize even greater goodness in his life,. Bless his wife, family and his worthy endeavors! Glory to your name! Amen.

Joyfully Submitted by:Linda Mose Meadows,
author :The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lesson’s and God’s Promises
Enjoy other writings:Click on Blessed Chronicles http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com