IT STARTS IN YOUR HEART

Taylor informing her classmates about Rosa Parks

Ms. Geordan "Anchor" and TV News Crew

Bible in Basic English

My delight is to do your pleasure, O my God; truly, your law is in my heart.

As I said a too quick prayer, pulling my heavy tote and lunch bag out of the car making my way to the front entrance of work, I thought about wanting to share my Thanksgiving memories about my youngest amazing nieces Geordan and Taylor who are growing up and so bright! They’re cheerleaders for a community football league, academic marvels and computer whizzes and yes, still in elementary school. I was giggly with joy listening to them share their accomplishments. You learn a lot from observing poster board assignments and picking up to read the many outstanding awards and congratulatory certificates casually displayed around the home.

“Aunt Linda , I’ll email you a picture of the news team!”

"Yes I'd like that!"

"Kids, stop me for autographs that I don't even know."

Geordan is a celeb at her school; she’s a journalist at heart and enjoys the spotlight as the TV Anchor of her school’s news team. She updates her news team’s webpage without blinking. Lord knows I am so proud of her, but more importantly, it’s quite obvious that she sincerely loves and has a heart for her work. This is indeed an admirable quality. It popped into my spirit that it starts in your heart. Thank you Holy Ghost for sharing this revelation!

All of my unique nieces are like electronic billboards-it obvious that they are on assignment: Tiega (an exceptional young lawyer), Quinn (a studious and phenomenal spoken word artist ), Amber & Morgan (conscientious college students), Malika (an adept soccer player and a collegiate scholarship recipient) and Taylor (a stellar student) who’s wise beyond her years, she loves learning! They all have a commonality-they are passionate about their gifts and callings from the eldest to the youngest. God placed in each of their hearts a desire to positively impact their spheres.

Friends, I earnestly believe that God has also included you in that number; you too are creative, intelligent, compassionate, wise and capable.

What is the “it” that dwells deep within your soul? What has God placed, seeded and deposited into your spirit to accomplish? Oh it’s there, it’s a prayer away my friends!

I could name a list of it’s:
· Trusting God to make your dream a possibility in your lifetime.
· Having the finances and time to share and build______ for all to benefit from.
· Starting that long awaited business.
· Developing and jumpstarting your ministry for God's glory!
· Having a stronger prayer life, empowered with stamina to endure life.
· Traveling to that special location.
· Returning to school to complete your education, so you can open your own school.
· Career switching-Leaving that job that drains you.
· Taking a chance on love.
· Writing and publishing your book .
· Saying “no” to others demands and following your lead- yourheart.
· Joining that support group or starting your very own.
· Planting a personal/community garden.
· Exercising daily to run in a future marathon.

But who am I kidding? It may be none of these answers and it simply may be carving out a personal space of peace time in a confusing world. Whatever it is, you are encouraged not to smolder your desires, your gifts, your calling and die in the spiritual wilderness. Be sure to petition God for His divine direction and discover what is longing to be birthed in your life. Psalm 40 may entreat your heart to delight in God's will. Trust that He will reveal to you His light-His truth and equip you for living out your it- your anointed heart’s desire.

<< Psalm 40:8 >>

New American Standard Bible (©1995) I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart."
GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995) I am happy to do your will, O my God." Your teachings are deep within me.
King James BibleI delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
American King James VersionI delight to do your will, O my God: yes, your law is within my heart.
American Standard VersionI delight to do thy will, O my God; Yea, thy law is within my heart.
Bible in Basic EnglishMy delight is to do your pleasure, O my God; truly, your law is in my heart.

Reference: http://bible.cc/psalms/40-8.htm

TODAY’S PRAYER

My dearest Lord,
be now a bright flame to enlighten me,
a guiding star to lead me,
a smooth path beneath my feet,
and a kindly shepherd along my way,
today and for evermore.
Saint Columbia
Reference: Prayer for A Woman’s Soul
Mediations and Prayers to Renew your Soul (Zondervan Corp)

Thank you God for using Geordan, my nieces, and the elementary news crew team to stir our hearts today! “Hey Geordan 5,4,3,2,1, you’re on the air!” "Good morning world!"

Joyfully submitted by: Linda Mose Meadows, Author
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/

Mary Moss

said...
Linda, thank you so much for this post. The spirit must be blowing across the nation this week! (I'm in Virginia!)A few weeks ago it was placed on my heart to help fellow writers "find their voice." I have met so many gifted, spirit-inspired women writers who don't believe they are worthy of being heard. This is an issue I struggled with for many years and have recently been released from the prison of unworthiness. That is why I am called to encourage and uplift them. I have been ministering to them as I had others minister to me along the way. So . . . I'm not only paying it "backward," I'm also paying it forward! Blessings to you for doing the same. December 4, 2008 10:01 PM

WHERE WILL IT TAKE ME

I am not sure where this writing will take me along? But like a brightly colored sail flapping in the wind-I won’t steer the vessel, I’ll let the Holy Ghost be at the helm this afternoon. I can’t seem to shake this visual picture-this thought. During this past weekend, my husband, son and stepdaughter covered a lot of territory and some surprising routes, yet wonderful moments were birthed in our quest to reach our particular destinations-home to family for the Thanksgiving Holiday. In route to Columbus Georgia, first stop Charlotte, North Carolina we traveled through small towns and hamlets and yes a good stretch of highway, red dirt, wild flowers and even noticed several curious doe/deer. As a passenger I could snooze and then awake to more two lane bumpy through fares, 6 lane highways, rolling hills, sunsets with streaks of magenta and coral majesty, and daybreak-lets not omit bumper to bumper traffic. I believe we saw it all. Ok, if not all of it, there were memorable mental vistas. Finally our destinations were worth the journey. After the wonderful meal, yummy desserts and lots of laughter and conversation the next day, my husband and I had a mini date-a getaway. As Ricky and I snuck away to the movies during one rainy afternoon, driving not far from my brother’s home my husband said,

“Did you see that?”
“What?”
“The young man standing at the lone bus stop with new white sneakers? That’s generally all that you leave prison with you know?”
“I wonder where he’ll go?”

Wow, I missed all of that! It was a blur seeing this young man.

I was too focused on the razor wire, empty basketball courts, and the modern jail- it was non menacing appearing structure. I do recall the words: Transition which was etched on one of the brick building. Friends, It was all very surprising for me to see this landscape juxtaposed to the cozy homes. (Just possibly that’s one our societies issues- is that the jails have become the focal point, not the detainees/the individuals?)

This was the day after Thanksgiving and I realize that often if we are not associated with those that have been incarcerated, addicted, seeking rehab services and/or being placed in that system, we sincerely don’t have a clue of all of the dynamics that leads to a person newly released, standing outside a facility in the pouring rain with themselves and all that they belong on their backs.

It was evident that this young man was headed somewhere, but I am not certain where? I saw no greeting committee. The probability was real, that there was no one in route to secure his safe arrival to his destination. Than I wondered about the shape his psyche and his soul were in.

I wondered if the young man felt perplexed. Was he relieved to be on the other side of the razor wired fence or frightened about an unpredictable tomorrow? I wondered if the rain that fell on his head with no bus insight; did it cause him to just want to celebrate freedom or cry? Had he made amends for the lives ruined? Or would he return to the life that led him behind the close bars? I just wondered if he felt renewed, refreshed and assured that what led him there would never, ever have that stranglehold on his life again? But, more importantly I began to wonder-what of his soul salvation?

Today, Joel Osteen’s really hit home for me with his e-inspiration message entitled: Work Out Your Salvation. After reading the devotional below I was encouraged to reference Philippians 2 (new living translation) which reads:

Philippians 2
Have the Attitude of Christ
1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate?

2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God, [a]he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges[b]; he took the humble position of a slave[c] and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form,[d]

8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Shine Brightly for Christ
12 Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. 16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. 17 But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God,[e] just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. 18 Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%202;&version=51;
BibleGateway.com
Work Out Your Salvation
Today's Scripture
“…work out your own salvation…” (Philippians 2:12, NKJ).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

When you make Jesus the Lord of your life, some things will change in you immediately and other things will be worked out over time. You may have addictions or sickness that you are instantly freed from, but yet, you may have wrong attitudes or other areas that are still in the process of changing. That’s because God is doing both a work in you and a work with you. He reveals His power to us and then gives us the opportunity to work with Him in the process of restoring and renewing our lives.You work out your salvation by obeying His Word and surrendering every area of your life to Him. You are working out your salvation when you choose to do the right thing, even when it’s difficult. You are working out your salvation when you stand strong and resist temptation. Remember, God is the one at work in you to give you the power to work out your salvation. He’s empowered you to overcome every obstacle! As you cultivate what He’s deposited within you, you’ll experience more of His power so you can live the life of victory He has in store for you!

A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for the work You are doing in my life. I choose to work with You so that I can live the life of victory You have prepared. Help me to be an example of Your love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Reference: Joel Osteen Ministries [info@joelosteen.com]

Today’s Word with Joel & Victoria 12/02/08

I pray that the young man will learn of ministries like Back to Basics which help men and women turn their loves around and actively demonstrate the love of Jesus. I pray that the young man has a mentor which will mean him good and not further contaminate his soul, his being. I pray that this young man’s destination will bring him to the arms of God if he’s not yet there. I pray that the rain falling on his head is cathartic, refreshing and renewing and Thanksgiving will be birthed within him! I pray that he’ll spiritually prosper, see himself in a new light and be motivated to acommplish and achieve great things.

Lord I think it's clear, the journey to Steve's, the young man at the bus stop, Joel Osteen's devotional, he powerful lyrics Yolanda Adams rendered, and the encouraging holy scripture-You await us-we must work our our soul's salvation.

Yolanda Adams singing

Be Blessed

Joyfully submitted by:Linda Mose Meadows, Author

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/

A NEW HOLIDAY TRADITION- NATIONAL DAY OF LISTENING

StoryCorps National Day of Listening

Consider this a Blessedness of Believing Public Service Announcement-

IT WAS SHARED WITH ME AND I CAN’T KEEP IT TO MYSELF! I EARNESTLY THINK THIS IS A TREMENDOUS IDEA FOR ARCHIVING MEMORABLE FAMILY MOMENTS AND HAVING A BALL BEING WITH YOUR LOVED ONES, THIS IS A MUST HAVE KEEPSAKE! START A FAMILY TRADITION.

National Public Radio's StoryCore

proclaimed

Friday , November 28,

the

National Day of Listening.

All are invited to dedicate time to interview and listen to each other, ezpecially family and to record (video, audio, MP3, etc. ) wonderful rememberances of history, stories , songs ect. of the moments that impacted life. Visit this website and the links: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97338482

for more imformation.

I am sure that this promises to be a family tradition that your loved ones will gladly wish to celebrate over and over again!

Smiling and Submitted by~

Linda Mose Meadows, author

The Blessedness of Believing

A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises

(Tate Publishing, Mov. 2007)

Enjoy other writings:

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

HAVING A HEART OF THANKSGIVING~ LORD I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU!

The Sovereign LORD is my strength!

He will make me as surefooted as a deer [fn] and bring me safely over the mountains…
Hab 3:19

Audibly this prayer may have been much too long to share during Sunday’s service not to mention the awkward glares that I may have received for “this display.” it makes me chuckle at the thought. I am not sure if over the top is how it may have been perceived had I begun with my own litany of thanksgiving, hopefully someone would follow my example and not leave me hanging out there alone. As we move closer to Thursday and my realization that I’ll see my family on their own turf, really does make my heart sing one of those numbers where you make up the words cus you're just that excited. It seems only fitting to say, “Lord I just want to thank you!” So to honor God and this Season of Thanksgiving let me just share my heart:

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Lord you are truly remarkable- I thank you for many things and especially your acts of mercy that I publically attest to; it’s a blessing to be alive and know you for myself. My heart leaps for joy-you not only care for me, but what concerns me.

You are my very breathe. I sense your presence

and

power in my life even on days when I have the blues.

Thank you for your Holy Scripture.

I would be a mess without your direction.

You are a wonderful and remarkable- a mighty force in our lives.

Holy, attentive, loving and reverent don’t adequately acknowledge all that you are.

When I wondered if I loose my faith and way, leaving my comfort zone in Buffalo, New York you answered me through scripture, inspirational music, encouraging books and the love of others-you kept me/us.

Ultimately my devotional was birthed: The Blessedness of Believing

A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises-it really did happen in my valley experiences.

I am thankful for your favor.

I am living out my heart’s desire.

Yes, I am encouraged!

I blow kisses of gratitude to you Lord!

This prayer is a testament that you are my living anchor.

My soul is revived when I think about what could have been!

When I wondered about my Mama and Granny’s needs-

you reached out your mighty arm of protection

and

provided them with a circle of loved ones and resources.

I am humbled, none of the good that has been bestowed upon them

could have occurred without you!

Lord I bless your name!

My heart is overflowing with gratitude for the evidence of your presence in all of our lives : my brother and sister friends, especially my brother’s who are loving father’s and husband’s, the scholarships received for Mary and Michael,

the Counseling and Grieving Ministry for Ricky,

my trusted old car that continues to operate-moving me down the highway,

my brilliant God children, nieces, and nephews.

Jesus, Jesus you are Emmanuel, El Shaddi, Our Savior, Our Friend, Provider and Our Comforter.

Thank you for your rod and staff that comfort us and admonish me to live

and

not die in the wilderness.

Lord I am grateful for this season of hope and change

and

how you’ve allowed us to witness the outpouring of your never ending love!

Let me never forget to let my light shine

and

do great good as I reach out to others in your honor.

I bind all hindering spirits from my divine appointment and declare that Yes I believe in your power and word.

I’ll keep my eyes on you.

Lord I just want to thank you!

Amen!

Joyfully submitted by:
Linda Mose Meadows, Author
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/

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.
Phl 4:8

YouTube Christian Music Video with Alvin Slughter and colleagues

There’s much that can befuddle and have us feeling so out of sorts, I mean terribly bad about life and the matters that effect us, our families, friends, the global community, the struggles at home, the craziness on the job and confusion in many schools and lest we not forget the economy! As some folks say” What in the world!” That simply implies that much of what’s going on makes no sense to them at all! I just wish the 24 hour news stations highlighted more of the flip side-the brighter side instead of the “flops” that keep us reeling from the shock. Consciously we have to filter this information and challenge ourselves not always to focus on the dire reports. There's always a mental and spiritual flipside that we can deliberately choose to embrace. I trust that when a life affirming word is needed you run not to the telephone or the internet first, but search out your Holy Bibles. Scripture reminds us that we can speak life over our circumstances with God’s power to what appears to be bleak and negative. There’s power in His word! Trust that God's powerful word will envelope you with the assurance and love needed to handle all of life's issues.

May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Eph 3:19

We can resolve to keep living with fullness of joy, we can choose to keep the faith, keep believing in the face of disparity. I know making resolutions are the popular thing to do in preparation for next year. But, what about today friends? Instead of forecasting some resolutions that may be difficult to keep, let’s resolve right this moment not just in the start of January 2009; but today beginning a new! As Marian say's, "We have to change our minds!" Let’s change our hearts and minds to think on the good things of the Lord? Yes, doors will be open, opportunities will be realized and God’s sovereignty will forever remain constant.

Join me in seeking more of God’s wisdom to navigate life’s path with zeal and determination-desiring a transformative power for new living. We can keep in mind that:

For I can do everything with the help of Christ who
gives me the strength I need.
Phl 4:13

Friends, here are some wonderful website discoveries that may encourage all of us to resolve to: earnestly share our stories to encourage our bretheren, laugh out loud at the absurdities of living, reaching forward as we benefit in sharing with another, endeavoring to remember that our bodies are our temples as we seek to improve healthier living. Let’s also invigorate and stimulate our minds and happily gain new-a brand new perspective on life outside our communities and be sure to breathe again. I am going to take my own medicine! By no means am I an expert on encouragement, but here’s a little e-food for thought. You are invited to simply add to the list of websites and I dare you to go and grow, grow, grow into a better you! Pass the plate please. God bless you!

Adopting Healthier Lifestyles
50 Million Pound Challenge
http://blog.50millionpounds.com/
http://www.50millionpounds.com/

Keeping The Faith
PrayKids! Online Magazine
http://www.navpress.com/account/login.aspx?email=linda.meadows@hamptonu.edu&uid=linda%20Meadows&dest=/landing/praykids.aspx&sc=NL27.

http://www.beliefnet.com/

http://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/

http://www.breatheagainmagazine.com/events.htm

Humor-Laughing Out Loud-Real Good Medicine:
Man and bear - Salmon fight
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWeNyT66IqI

Insight-New Insight
Interview with Charlayne Hunter-Gault
http://www.worldpress.org/Africa/981.cfm

http://www.forbetterlife.org/

http://www.dailypress.com/sports/columnists/dp-columnist-dsquires,0,4982467.columnist?track=rss

Charity- “Give and it will be given unto you”
One laptop Per Child
http://www.laptopgiving.org/en/index.php

Episcopal Relief and Development Efforts

http://www.er-d.org/

Persevering While Waiting on The Promises of God
Redefining perseverance
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19227137/?story=king1

Spreading Joy-
7 yr old keyboard master MSN video.
http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?mkt=en-us&from=MSNHP

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/

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

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