APPRECIATING KINDRED SPIRITS!

Photo taken by author's son, Michael. 

Amazing bronze sculptor by Nnamdi Okonkwo.

“To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble,

 but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven.”

Johannes A. Gaertner (1912-1996); Art History Professor, Theologian, Poet

Last Sunday we were preparing for my son's return to Baltimore. Instead of him catching a train to New York City, my husband offered to drive Mike to New York instead so that he could catch his bus to return directly to Baltimore. Little did I realize that God had a wonderful treat in store for us! We were enjoying the many sights and sounds of a bustling metropolis. We couldn't done better with any other tour guide. We rolled through side streets and main thoroughfares. Truly we enjoyed the scenery including catching a glimpse of Central Park and watching the natives and tourist feast on their outdoor activities on a warm summer's afternoon.   

Before long we were in neighborhoods imaging which brownstone we'd occupy, where we'd shop and play. Broadway (On and Off), China Town, Manhattan, Harlem, the Garment District, The Met, and Wall Street were on the itinerary.  I was giddy with joy, when my husband said, "Linda look over there!"  Brother Nnamdi Okonkwo's work was right there, in "my face!" Yes, it was in broad day light!  I ran across the street as though I were greeting beloved friends. What came to mind were these are kindred spirits. Little did I realize until again visiting the artist's website that just what he calls them! How about that!  Kindred Spirits! And my being able to connect with the artist's work! These figures are robust, as large as life! They are ample, alive, beautiful! All I could do was smile and request like a little girl, "Come on Mike take my picture!" I wanted to be apart of this divine work and have a photographic moment to relish.

The irony about the sculptures was, not that long ago I stumbled upon the artist website and marveled at his work never imagining that I would see, visit and experience up close Nnamdi Okonkwo's powerful work on a Sunday afternoon, An afternoon spent in NYC taking our son to the bus station. As Craig would say, "Who knew?" This was surely another simple abundance moment that God had orchestrated. I can't help but celebrate! God is great!

If you haven't made it to New York City just yet, in the meantime be sure to appreciate this amazing sculptor at: http://www.nnamdiart.com/sculpture_monumental.html your heart and spirit will be glad you did.

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) 

 http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

 http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

 http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/

YOU'VE GOT TO FOLLOW YOUR ROAD!

Photos by Linda Mose Meadows

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.

 My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him Psalm 28:7

I haven't seen this commercial recently, but it was one of my favorites. I am guessing you may remember it also? Here's the scene (of course I’m taking creative liberties): dusty cowboys are gathered around a campfire, we imagine them settling in for the evening. It’s a lone, quiet atmosphere, an ebony blanketed starry lit sky which envelopes them is complete with loud crickets. 

This scene is the backdrop for the "grubbing" cowboys hungrily eating their meal. For a split second the television viewer is given space to imagine many things.  First what in the world are they eating? Is it really that good?  Many agree with Van De Camp and me, that it is just that tastey? Yummy baked bean by the fire. But there's more to the message.

Where have they been? Where are they headed-just what is their destination? And why are they so tired? Then one cowboy says in a matter-of-fact tone to the others, that the one who's responded to his comment about the delicious bake beans is from New York “Yurk” City!  His words place great emphasis on the sound of "ORK" and "ITY" in an exaggerated twang!  Hearing this always caused me to laugh out loud! The over-the-top diction was clever on the part the ad agency. I surmise that by then they had our ears and our purses. We now associate their product with a destination and recall that the outrageous enunciation of New York City. I suspect this humorous method worked. But on the flip side there were other messages I suspect. It was surprising to witness the apparent discomfort that these rugged trailblazers were having with learning about a distant land. A place they had yet to venture. They had noticeable trepidation. Why of course it’s unfamiliar territory. The cowboy’s seemed to be in shock and awe. Seemingly their experiences and bravado belied their truth. These trailblazing gun totting cowboys possibly being timid seemed strange? "Umph, ain't that a contradiction?" (I could hear you saying that!)  Yes, my friends even for rough, tough people unknown places can be frightening, no matter the proximity! It's the bigger than life fact of the unknown. In defense of these cowboys and often being timid regarding the unknown- they had no frame of reference. They simply knew New York City was far from their familiar prairies. Awe, but there was one who dared to venture out. Thank God for the courageous heart! For those that step out on faith and score! This unknown cowboy's tenacity to venture out  makes me think of the countless scriptures that assure us that God hasn't given us the spirit of fear, but a spirit of  power/courage, love and a sound mind/clear thinking! (2 Timothy 1:7) It's evident that when we are with God we are safe-complete.

The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, 

and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. Psalm 28:7

It blesses our spirits when we realize that often like the timid and the free spirited cowboy our authentic spirits yearn to move beyond the familiar frontier borders and when we do often it's rewarding! Our horizons are expanded and life lessons occur that richly bless us.  As Pauline Wilson aptly penned in her lyrics, "you've got to follow your road, follow your road..."

Well let's fast forward to our recent drive from Florida to Connecticut one mile at a time, crossing one state border after another. Our rocking-over packed vehicle was filled to the interior roof with essentials for starting anew. (At least until the moving van arrived.) Onlookers must have wondered where are they headed?  Well the journey wasn't for the faint at heart! Surely we were capturing and living out our spiritual urban cowboy and cowgirl experience.  Truly it’s been a long awaited sojourn. This again is a heartfelt journey that we’d never before traveled, but earnestly longed for.We were reminded in prayer to shake the dust off our feet and push fear aside. Scripture has assured us that God had gone before us and made room for our arrival. We’re anticipating ministry in places and spaces we’d never seen; excited about seeing more of God-realizing His plan over our lives and others. Like our ancestors and many others we desire witnessing again the Holy Spirit first hand. The 2 day drive was long and packing was labor intensive! But so much and many awaited us! God rubbed stamped the journey-it was confirmed through the many expressions of kindness experienced before and during our destination!

It was comical but true, almost at our destination's end; finally seeing the New York City and Connecticut highway traffic signs, and then being in a traffic jam. Yep, for 90 minutes not being able to move. (Imagine instead of an hours delay, suffering through years of being at a standstill? You are ready to move forward and can't!) The traffic was nothing like I imagined for a Sunday afternoon! Instead traffic halted before moving toward the George Washington Bridge. It didn't matter if drivers selected the upper level or lower level, all roads converged towards the toll booths! (Pay up!) Mind you this was the route we believed was necessary to reach our destination. There we were seeing our destination in view and stuck! What to do? The answer was to simply wait! Wait our turn and proceed when an opening occurred. It was just that simple!  Friends, we are headed somewhere like the brave cowboy! And so are you! So as you embrace your call and are sailing, driving, galloping, trotting, trekking, moving steadily and facing an occasional interruption in plans-be encouraged by God's leading and Pauline Wilson’s Follow Your Road. 

However, as it is written: "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard,

 and what no human mind has conceived" 

-- the things God has prepared for those who love him—

1 Corinthians 2:9

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) 

 http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

 http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

 http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/

LET'S CELEBRATE OUR LEGACY OF LOVE!

                                                                                                                                                                         

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

The LORD, a Provider and Deliverer.

 I will bless the LORD at all times;
  His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul will make its boast in the LORD;
  The humble will hear it and rejoice.
O magnify the LORD with me,
  And let us exalt His name together.
I sought the LORD, and He answered me,
  And delivered me from all my fears.
They looked to Him and were radiant,
  And their faces will never be ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him
  And saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him,
  And rescues them.
O taste and see that the LORD is good;
  How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
O fear the LORD, you His saints;
  For to those who fear Him there is no want.

PSALM 34:1-9

Author's  beautiful mother, Clarinda!

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful mothers, aunties, adopted mommies, step mother's, big Mama's, Grannies and Gran Mamas, Ma'dears, Nanas and big sisters which love us to life! We'll forever cherish your love and commitment to us! 

We celebrate our legacy of love. 

I recall Mama sharing this poem and other works of Langston Hughes with her students at 

Public School #31. It feels like yesterday that I enjoyed visiting her classroom. This was long 

before "take your daughter and her friends (visiting from college) to work day" was 

popular! Truly she is still an amazing teacher!

Mother to Son

Well, son, I'll tell you:

Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.

It's had tacks in it,

And splinters,

And boards torn up,

And places with no carpet on the floor—

Bare.

But all the time 

I'se been a-climbin' on,

And reachin' landin's,

And turnin' corners,

And sometimes goin' in the dark

Where there ain't been no light.

So, boy, don't you turn back.

Don't you set down on the steps.

'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.

Don't you fall now—

For I'se still goin', honey,

I'se still climbin',

And life for me ain't been no crystal stair. 

Langston Hughes

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/mother-to-son/

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) 

 http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

 http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

 http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/

I STAND ON YOUR WORD

Anointed Jonathan Butler singing: I Stand On Your Word

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:37-39

The visual and spiritual message is captivating. As a viewer, I was swiftly moved into a worshipful space. This was unexpected peace, a serene infilling during my viewing of a youtube video: I Stand On Your Word! Peace found at my dining room table on an early Saturday morning.  Our friend, Bop would pronounce it as being, “caught-up!” I encourage you to also watch it. With the psalmist, we’re now seated in a sacred space, the illuminated sanctuary with the stellar artist and without reservation lift our hands in surrender. Surrendering all of life’s issues with a spirit of immediacy and instead our focus isn’t self preservation with heart rates rapidly racing.  Instead we are enamored with the music, the lyrics and our spirits are overtaken with the loving presence of the Holy Ghost. And our surroundings are fading fast- these images have slowed down to a stand still! Our breathing is now easy and not labored; our spirits understand that “No matter what, you’ve got to stand on the word.” That’s just what Jonathan Butler echos!  

Stellar vocalist, lyricist, accomplished musician and brother: Jonathan Butler clearly declares, that standing on God’s word is the answer.  As the music envelopes us, his beautiful video captures and expresses that the power of God’s word is our blessed assurance. We understand that God’s word will and can reach places, stations not only in the earthly realm, but the heavenly realm as well. Our intellect can’t fathom, our reach can’t touch, our minds can’t envision nor contemplate the impact, nor the benefits of trusting and leaning on God’s word.  It’s a take my word for it guarantee!  As faith creatures there are promises to be had if we simply believe! Come on blessed friends experience-feel the power, majesty and glory of Jesus Christ our Lord and comfortably know what it is to be______________:

RESCUED

That he would grant to us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, 

Luke 1:74

DELIVERED

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. 

Isaiah 53:5

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,

I Corinthians 15:3

SAVED

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

PROTECTED

I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, [and set me] in a large place.

Psalms 118:5

COVERED AND COMFORTED

And they shall dwell safely therein, and shall build houses, and plant vineyards; yes, they shall dwell with confidence...

Ezekiel 28:26

LOVED

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved—

 Ephesians 2:4-5

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

1 John 4:9-11

KEPT

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:6-7  

PEACEFUL

"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

John 16:33

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

JOYFUL

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 17:22

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Romans 15:13

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Romans 12:12

CREATED BY THE HAND OF GOD

Thus said the LORD, your redeemer, and he that formed you from the womb, I am the LORD that makes all things...

Isaiah 44:24-26

Brother Jonathan Butler, Sister Lauryn Hill it’s Saturday morning and we are singing with you, hearts filled with thanksgiving: “Joyful, joyful we adore the, God of glory, Lord of love! Thank you for your visual creations and your stunningly anointed lyrics which encourage us deeply! We are faithfully holding on to His promises! Yes, we are standing, moving and dancing in faith on God’s Holy word!

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) 

 http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

 http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

 http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/

ALL THINGS OLD ARE NEW AGAIN!

My friend Erica, her daughter is the photographer 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: 

^[a] The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

Don’t you just love this expressive artwork? Well I sure do! My friend Erica and her 11 year old daughter (the photographer) have really captured the vintage feel in this upbeat piece of 21st century iphone photography. It’s my idea of Nuevo art photography in black and white. It's perfect for Pinterest board!

I absolutely giggle when I see this photo. Although it’s 2013 we seemed to be instantly transported in time. The polka dots, the cap sleeves, perfectly styled hairdo, not a strand out of place and possibly the eye wear, 1960’s all over.

Erica has done it again and inspired me to explore some bygone days and beautifully triggered some fond childhood memories which causes me to reminisce and say,"Oh yeah I remember when_____________!"

“Oh yeah I remember that time when penny candy was plentiful and a dime’s worth of peach stones or red hot dollars was enough to share with half the kids on our (neighborhood) “fruit belt” block.”

How I recall my Grand Mama Rita pressing (hot combing) and curling my hair and my dreading when comb was placed on the edges! Dixie Peach or Royal Crown hair grease were the reliable products to help straighten our hair. And as if we were seated at the kitchen table sharing a piece of cake, I blurt out, “Oh yeah do you remember our Aunt’s and mother’s being dressed to the “nines” in their couture Butterick and McCall creations? And if they had no pattern on hand, that did not halt their creative juices. Many of them created and designed their own tailored patterns from brown paper bags. They got busy transforming that favorite piece of fabric on their overworked Singer sewing machines. Before long they’d emerge in a fine creation, knowing full well that their outfit was a one of a kind!!

“Oh yeah I remember our eating Jiffy Popcorn (popped on the stove top, being careful not burn it) and watching comedy television shows like: I Love Lucy, Red Skelton, and Flip Wilson which were regular family friendly moments. We’d huddled together, watch television intently,laughing at the many hilarious antics. No it was not high definition but reliable black and white television.”

“Oh yeah I remember that time when home baked birthday cakes, delicious varieties of sugar cookies and creamy ice cream were regular treats.” My Mama baked the buttery cookies and  biscuits, Sarah baked the divine “scratch” three layer cakes and we churned the strawberry ice cream.

“Oh yeah I remember that after my chores were completed, running down the flight of stairs to play outside, staying away from home for hours of fun, always with the expectation of “checking in” and being on the downstairs porch when the street lights came on. And my brothers and I better had stuck with the plan.”

But like, Fred Hammond has written all things new arise!

  

All Things New 

Performed by- Fred Hammond

Album- Speak Those Things:POL Chapter 3

You spoke and made the sunrise, to light up the very first day 
You breathed across the water, and started the very first wave 
It was You 
You introduced Your glory, to every living creature on earth 
And they started singing, the first song to ever be heard 
They sang for You 
You make all things new 
You make all things new 
Then the world was broken, fallen and battered and scarred 
You took the hopeless, the life, wasted, ruined and marred 
And made it new 
You make all things new 
You make all things new 
You redeem and You transform 
You renew and You restore 
You make all things new 
You make all things new 
And forever we will watch and worship You 
You turn winter into spring 
You take every living thing 
And You breathe Your breath of life into it over and over again 
You make the sunrise, day after day after day 
But there's a morning coming, when old things will all pass away 
And everyone will see 
You make all things new 
You make all things new 
Come redeem and come transform 
Come renew and come restore 
You make all things new 
You make all things new 
And forever we will watch and worship You 
Now and forever You are making all things new 
You're making all things new 
Hallelujah...

Album- Speak Those Things:POL Chapter 3

http://www.music-lyrics-gospel.com/gospel_music_lyrics/all_things_new_19071.asp

This eloquent lyricist was not referencing how convenient foods replace home baked goodies, or running for blocks to inform our mothers of our whereabouts and now instead of that exercise attaching the cell phone with tracking systems to keep up with loved ones is the way. And instead of transforming fabric on sewing machines into articles of fine clothing, is now bypassed with a quick trip to the outlet mall for trendy purchases. And the way we now view our favorite shows is not only on televisions with three channels but on all kinds of electronic computerized devices (i.e. iphones, notebooks, and laptops). I am sure you’d agree that there are so many more conveniences for fast paced living that I haven't mentioned. But that’s not the "new", I am confident that the Holy Ghost desires we focus on. Instead our "new" is referencing the sacred-eternal things which have lasting promise!

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. (NIV) Isaiah 43:19

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. (NLT) Isaiah 43:19

It’s as though the Holy Ghost has partnered with Erica and her, daughter, used their clever creativity to remind and help us to understand that all things old are new again because the things we treasure dearly have returned. Our focus has returned to a renaissance, a yearning for getting back to basics. What is that you wonder?  I believe it’s an  appreciation for “good living”, a simpler lifestyle reinforcing our need for God, promoting a nourished spirit, embracing our purpose, intentionally living with hope and promise, loving and celebrating our family and friends, incorporating a prayerful/peaceful existence, and acknowledging our reverence for a living triune God that keeps us, heals us and provides for us in an ever turbulent world. It’s a divine drawing inward, that dare not rely on outward-temporal things of this life. It’s a hope reborn reinforced by the word of God and love of Jesus!

Friends, it’s what our ancestor referred to when they spoke about seeing the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!  Getting back to our true selves you wonder? Yes! I contend it’s as fresh and sassy as Erica’s “Nuevo” style and artwork! Why it’s the Nuema, the breathe and spirit of God that is the wind beneath our wings!

²⁸ Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.
²⁹ He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
³⁰ Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
³¹ but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:28-31

This is the real deal, the truth that we hold dear, the life sustaining word of God! The word-old, new, tried and true!

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) 

 http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

 http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

 http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/

THE DUKE EXPERIENCE: WE WILL NOT CONCEDE DEFEAT!

Our beautiful 96 year old Grandmother, Ruth 

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7 King James Version (KJV)

 Our Grandparent’s beloved dog Duke, looked just like this German Shepard!

 Oh it was sheer pandemonium, I recall that hot summer Washington, DC afternoon vividly. Our summer playmates-the kids on the block were happily playing, laughing tossing and kicking the ball. Some were huddled together plotting their next fun activity. My brothers, cousins and I always seemed to be the magnet for that end of 18th Place, South East Street. This was a part of our annual summer ritual of converging at Granny and Grand Pop’s for the summer. We traveled with our mother from Buffalo, New York and my cousin’s generally arrived a week or so later from Fort Worth, Texas. Our parents would return home and we’d remain, the 7 cousins with our grandparents. This particular afternoon Granny stood at the screen door gazing out, probably “checking on us”, ensuring that our playful mischief was controlled. And I am sure she could see her little neighbor Grady from her view. He also stood on his porch peering out at the kids playing. He was the little brother which did not always comfortably fit in. His awkward moves and age prevented him from actively joining in. As I played in the distance with other kids I could see them both from my view and noted that the identical brick row houses allowed neighbors to also see other porches and the street clearly. I distinctly heard Grady yell in a distressed voice, “Duke is loose!” Once this vocal alarm registered, the screams of the children echoed terror! 


The platonic made for movie “kids playing in the street scene” was transformed in a flash! Kids ricocheted north, south, east and west on the street as Duke freely galloped past my grandmother, through the screen door and towards Grady! Grady moved swiftly, his little legs carried him off his porch and towards the wooded area behind the row of houses! It was a dramatic scene, his screaming, crying and running! His thoughts must have been swift! But thank God for diversion! His brothers, my brothers and cousin masterly distracted Duke in his hot pursuit of Grady. It’s a blur after that, but Duke was corralled, cut off at the pass and ran back towards Granny. Did I mention that Granny in a somewhat shrill voice called Duke to come back? That was not the trick! But Grady was not bitten, just shaken up.


This pure black German Shepard in appearance was massive and menacing from the moment I saw him! But he never snarled or barked at us or got aggressive. Now friends you might think that’s because he was familiar with us. And I’d have to argue that our acquaintance was only once a year. So the dog could have bypassed familiarity and claimed his territory! This was not the case. Friends, Granny called Duke a puppy. This was funny to us, because his size belied infancy! Not only was he her puppy, he suffered from arthritis and moved as though he were in continued pain when he was indoors. Outdoors, he pranced, barked loudly and peered out the fence. Daily he needed assistance and if he wanted to walk up the stairs. Granny would push him from the rear with great determination up the basement steps. I share this with you in the wake of another daunting bombing which occurred during Boston Marathon. I began reflecting on fear before this terrible occurrence. And the coincidence is uncanny, that the media and our community is now openly discussing reborn fear possibly hindering our daily lives! Fear of continued destruction, fear of racial profiling, fear of a loss of life that we comfortably regard, fear of loosing our faith, fear of having no peace, and fear of _________ ( you fill it in)!


I realize that the Holy Spirit desires that I reflect and share my understanding of how fear can paralyze us. But I distinctly recall Bishop Bronner sharing during a bible study that fear is false evidence appearing real! Until then, never had I heard that truth, nor considered that fear is as real as we believe and experience it to be. Overcoming fear is a real possibility! There is power is changing our perspective, our way of thinking and operating! But what of the instance when the dog is chasing you? Now that’s real! Grady's case is real, but the fact that Duke had some real physical limitations is surprising and factual. The big, bad Duke was frail on most days! If our play mates had only known, lived with Duke-they would have understood that his bark was really bigger than his bite. But only my immediate family knew that!  If only collectively as traumatized folks, we understood that our fearful states are meant to be short lived! So as our President Obama eloquently stated today at the Cathedral of The Holy Cross, “…we will pick ourselves up, we will keep going...we will run again!” Amen to President Obama for expressing our spirit's sentiment!


Yes, there are instances where we will experience helplessness, tragedy and know it intimately. Possibly we’ll be badly injured, frightened and consumed by hurtful seasons! But thank you Jesus, that’s not the complete and accurate picture regarding our resilient spirits! The healing God of our ancestors, the loving God in us and endearing assistance of the divine Holy Spirit will save us! Be encouraged, be vigilant-go back to embracing life, run life’s marathons and intentionally celebrate moments of living with great purpose! The “Duke” experiences are false evidence appearing real! Thank God we will not concede defeat! 

 We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. 

 We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. (NLT) 2 Corinthians 4:8 

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

AMEN, IT'S A LITERARY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR: DESTINED TO RECEIVE! PUBLISHED: MARCH 10, 2013!

"Some things have to be believed to be seen." 

Mark Victor Hansen Motivational Speaker, Author (born 1948);

It's a literary birthday season! Come on friends, join me and celebrate the birth and publication of my second devotional on March 10th, 2013 of: Destined To Receive, Reflections and Devotionals Celebrating the Love of God by Linda Mose Meadows. Admittedly I am giddy with sheer delight. God is faithful and truly I too am a witness and can attest to His presence. Yes, God's loving presence that is apparent in our lives. My devotionals acknowledge that challenges never displace a divine agenda! Our faith will take us to marvelous and exciting destinations. I pray that just as you've embraced my first published devotional: The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises-you'll also receive this devotional with equal or greater enthusiasm. Like so many others you are welcome to request Destined to Receive at your local library, purchase it at our beloved CreateSpace.com, Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, present it over and over as a timeless inspirational gift, chat about it with your book club buddies, reach for it from the shelves of your inspirational libraries, take it along and tuck it in your back packs, briefcases and tote bags-reach for it at that right "moment", read it, love it, and connect/relate with the transparent sentiments of our humanity, our spirituality and reverence of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior! But more importantly rely on the Holy Spirit and relish the Holy Scripture! I am confident that these reflections and the Lord's profound truths, will capture our hearts and stir our souls! This spiritual journey is personal but everyone is invited!

Destined to Receive: Reflections and Devotionals Celebrating the Love of God [Paperback] by

Linda Mose Meadows

Paperback: 232 pages

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1 edition (March 10, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1482561832
• ISBN-13: 978-1482561838

Revel in the knowledge that as believers of Christ Jesus you are destined to receive favor and privilege that pedigree and social status can’t garner? God, our Father allows us as benefactors in His Kingdom to partake in life anew! Living that encompasses having an unexplained peace, sustained joy and everlasting life not predicated on circumstance! And natural gifts do spill over in our life in unimaginable ways! But all of this requires embracing a lively hope. For many this sounds trite, like some spouted cliché, but the Good News is that the Holy Scripture acquaints us with the love of God. It’s an amazing love which points us in a mysterious, new direction-away from self reliance and bravado to reliance on our powerful God. With thanksgiving and holy boldness, we are encouraged to cultivate a life affirming relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The author: Linda Mose Meadows of Destined to Receive, Reflections and Devotionals Celebrating the Love of God recounts and celebrates life experiences, shared expressions, revelations and witnessed accounts that attest to God’s mercy, benevolent grace and desire to pour out more of his love and abundant blessings on his very own. With these transparent accounts, prayers, daily devotionals, earnest reflections and timely scriptures, readers are encouraged to inoculate their weary hearts and cluttered minds by applying the refreshing Gospel, believing by activating their faith and relishing that in due season, we are destined to receive the promises of God if we faint not!



Shared in Love,
Linda Mose Meadows; Blogger, Motivational Speaker and Inspirational Author of:  Destined To Receive, Reflections and Devotionals Celebrating The Love of God and Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

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