THIS IS ABOUT YOU-GET YOUR VISION CHECKED

The Lord gives wisdom,

and from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding

Proverbs 2:6

Youtube:Iyanla Vanzant Your Eyes Will Adjust!

I really feel that this is an equal opportunity message, that doesn't have to be gender specific, so we can all comfortably apply this message and be empowered by this scripture.

1God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
4There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
5God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
6The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
7The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
8Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
9He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
10Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
11The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Psalm 46

I love Iyanla's boldness, she always uses practical daily experiences to bring the point home for all of us! Who would have guessed that a simple eye exam could be so crucial to our welfare? After hearing her I am sure you too are wondering, what have I adjusted to that has distorted or blurred my focus? What have I adapted too that isn’t necessarily beneficial for my mental, spiritual, emotional and physical wellbeing? If we wish to take this thought a little further , how is it impacting those I love and care for? Maybe the thought is much too much to tackle , let alone move towards correcting it? I earnestly believe God is our strength and refudge . Certainly His is the strength and power to assist us.

Live Your Best Life,

is a slogan I hear often. I like it, but know the only way to live with my self and be content is to face head on the heart and soul issues! I can’t live like an ostrich with my head and heart buried, being oblivious to the obvious! Ignoring the elephant in the room just isn't healthy!

Today I am pushed to pray:

Lord I thank you for the strength to handle what I've ignored , I need your courage to help me to deal with the tough stuff, to become proactive

and live a life that is good for me and your service.

I am trusting you, your word and your power to see me through!

In Jesus' Holy Name!

Amen!

“Do it for your own self?" or " Do it for your own sanity!” is what is ringing in my spirit! I have several matters that I sure idly need to address: forgiving is at the top of the list! Forgiving them and myself are key, so I can get on with more fruitful and intentional living. It's going to take work!

Iyanla’s honesty is not timid-but in your face, upfront and boisterous. It is good to know that sometimes we need a wake up call in our lives and to stop tip-toeing around the heart and soul matters. If I am close to the target I believe this morning 's message encompasses getting our spiritual and natural vision checked! Thank you Holy Spirit for imparting your wisdom.

Friends if you don’t do it today-anticipate your progression , life is swiftly moving! No need to keep stumbling in the dark.

Enjoy more of Iyanla's sage advice on Beliefnet's Listen from the Heart

Growing Stronger and Thankful for God's Grace

Linda Mose Meadows, Author

The Blessedness of Believing

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

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

ENJOY YOUR SOJOURN WITH MATT MCCLURE

Outstanding Photography by Matt McClure

Journey with Matt
http://www.mattphoto.com/m.php?c=burkinafaso&p=1

A cheerful heart is good medicine.

Proverbs 17:22

Friends, do you need a change of pace, some new scenery? Well, while you are contemplating your next get-away for summer vacation, that long awaited annual cruise, (if your budget can stand it), the Spring community garden walking tour, or a week stayvacation; I encourage you to first revisit and enjoy Matt McClure's photos and travel with him around the world to several marvelous destinations today! Imagine the opportunity to travel to another country in the middle of your worday? No need to stay huddled over those spread sheets and pages of reports, or grabbing that laundry basket. Just for a moment free yourself before you commence that next task, that conference call, or addressing those items on your to-do- list. I beleive the eyes of your soul yearns for a new view!

God has blessed Matt and he's willing to share his awesome phototgraphs!

Come, allow him to share this treat with you! Willingly follow Matt McClure who's been to several exciting continents and met many extraodinary people. His lense has caught the beauty and essence of these people, their cultures and home land. This adventure costs you nothing. Delight in this hassle free traveling- it's a mental sojourn and it's good for your health. Breathe and relish in what's before your eyes. I warn you , you may just get lost in Peru, Switzerland and Ghana! Oh let's not omit Burkino Faso. Yes indeed your spirit will feel lighter!

Matt appreciation is an understatement- I can't thank you enough for your heartfelt generosity!

Joyfully Sharing:

Linda Mose Meadows, Author

The Blessedness of Believing

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

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

TODAY'S PROMISE FROM THE BIBILE ~ JOHN 16:27

Today's Promise from the Bible

John 16:27

For the Father himself loveth you,

because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.

REFLECTION

If you place your love and faith in the person and work of Christ Jesus, you are guaranteed the love of His Father. God does not turn away those who seek His Son. Rather, He will be faithful to reward every lover of His Son with life eternal and every spiritual blessing! Hallelujah!

Friends daily you can receive these wonderful promises clearly directed for our wellbeing , visit blueletterbible.com and sign up for these edifying messages and bask in God's glow as you confidently reflect on His word! http://promises.blueletterbible.org/

Joyfully Sharing,
Linda Mose Meadows, Author
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

SUPPORT HOWARD UNIVERSITY - A HELPING HAND -ALTERNATIVE TO SPRING BREAK

"Alternative Spring Break continues to renew our students' committment to serving our Nation and the Global Community and empowers them to

'Be The Change.' "

Gerald Ashby, ASB student co-coordinator

http://www.howard.edu/asb/2009/

Friends, this is an exciting opportunity to provide financial support along with our praise of thanks giving for Howard's young people that endeavor to do something positive by lending a helping hand during their Spring Break. Read, learn of and support their mission not just during the WHUR's radio-thon, but in the days to come! Spring Break commences on March 14th, 2009!

This is truly a commendable effort! Help beyond today friends!

The work is not done…and we need your help again. Join WHUR
96.3 FM, Sunday, March 1, 2009 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the 12-hour

“A Helping Hand,”

radiothon to send nearly 300 Howard University students to

Chicago, Detroit, New Orleans and across the Washington, D.C. area where they will help
families wrestling with issues ranging from illiteracy to the lingering effects of Hurricane Katrina.

You can drop off your donations, or contact :

WHUR, 529 Bryant Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., 20059

or call our toll-free phone bank at 1-877-794-8796.

A Proud Howard Alum (Class of 79') Sharing Good News

Linda Mose Meadows, Author

The Blessedness of Believing

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

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

TONY L. JEFFERSON, JR.~ A BELOVED POET WITH HEART AND SOUL

"Every scripture is God-breathed....so that the man of God may be complete

and proficient, well-fitted and throughly equipped for every good work."

(2 Timothy 3:16-17 AMP)

Tony L. Jefferson, Jr. inspirational poet with an attitude of faith!

Poetic MindState
Words for The Heart Thoughts from the Soul

Sometimes it just has to be said! The expressions, the words must spill out of our mouths - holding back will do us in! Did your mother ever tell you that you just had to have the last word? I remember hearing it said, "Watch your mouth!" or "Just say it and get it off your chest! But you better be careful what you say! " Well those of us that had to have our say knew we weren't going to miss out on an golden opportunity to express what our hearts were aching to share! I suspect that our friend TonyL. Jefferson, Jr. doesn't suffer with that problem of burying his words either.

A man with a heart to share-oh what a wonderful thing! Just prepare yourself to embrace the sentiment! Meet a beloved poet and visual artist with a compassionate spirit and a yearning for soul seeking truths and righteouness. Yes,that's him. Tony L. Jefferson, Jr. a military man ( US Army), passionate about our/his humanity, emploring his readers to examine our/his responsibility to one another, the universe and yes, appreciating his/our calling to live our best lives, that's who this young man is.

Read his work, I'm sure you'll concurr, it's evident that he's living in step with the divine! His is a heatbeat in rythm to the tune of God's love. I applaud his work, his energy and respect this poet's voice which crys out in the wilderness to see past our selves, reach for brighter days and believe that all things are possible. I entreat you to become familiar with the outstanding blog of: Poetic MindState Words for The Heart Thoughts from the Soul !

Come on friends, listen with receptive spirits while you then lovingly speak your minds and hearts and be assured that God has equipped us for the journey ahead! Speak to our hearts Holy Spirit!

The Earth Grew a Soul

By: Tony L. Jefferson, Jr.

tjefferson85@gmail.com

http://tjefferson85.com/

Nobody hears the world cry
They just stand by and watch it die
But I heard its soul weep
What a sad sound it was
The sound was soulful and very deep
I say, “hey there world, why do you cry?”
It says to me with a sorrowed tone
No one respects me
No one cares
I feel so neglected
But I have hope to be corrected
Unappreciated is the feeling I feel most
The people that walk me do nothing but boast
They say hey look what I did today
Instead of saying thank you earth for providing the necessities
Because of you world my life can be prosperous
The earth grew a soul and I heard it speak
It said save me from myself
Cause I am spinning out of control

Poetry printed with author's permission

Lovingly Submitted by:

Linda Mose Meadows, Author
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephon_Marbury

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial,

for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life,
which GOD has promised to those w ho love him.
James 1:12

The coin toss begins, all eyes are on the center court, the basketball goes up in mid air and the camera captures a close up of Team Captain Stephon “Starbury” Xavier Marbur of the Blessedness of Believing Victor’s All StarTeam. He's the MVP- yes, "Doctor Stabury !"

The fans are standing on their feet laving their flags, donning their Starbury sports gear, the referees are in place and the cheerleaders are in motion, the auditorium is in a frenzy! Folks it’s another all electric evening ripe with anticipation! It 'a a stary night and already the sports casters have declared that the Blessedness of Belieiving’s Basketball Team are the victors!!

A great basketball game is never easily won, the competition must give the opoosing team a thorough run, a real workout for the championship! But I declare that it’s well worth the time, effort and energy exerted.

We’ve penned Starbury as Doctor because he takes care of business and looks out for his team mates, executes the plays proficiently and plays the game with a heart to win! Look out opponents he’s strong and armed to win the game! On and off the court of life-he’s admirable.

Ok, ok I suppose you basketball enthusiasts know that I am having fun, because I haven’t yet purchased my basketball franchise nor recruited my all star team; but if I did have a choice brother Stephon Marbury would be my pick of team captain-he’s a noblemen. I hope there’s such a word. He’s my choice as a young man of valor! What I have learned is that not only does he play basketball well, but he’s a man of character and conviction. He has a heart for the common man, working parents as well as his comrades and colleagues- “the ballers and shot callers!”

He remembers what struggling feels like. Ask him about his youth. My spirit applauded his tenacity and vision when I once again had the opportunity to learn of his stewardship –first on 60 Minutes and again, this morning on TJMS, The Tom Joyner Morning Show.

He partnered with Steve & Barry’s to promote affordable clothing. It was a God send for many parents struggling to clothe their children with the desired sports gear. He now has a new venture with Amazon.com.

I listened intently to his interview on the TJMS Tom Joyner Morning Show today. I believe he’s unmovable and abounds in his faith. It’s been exhibited over the past few months regarding the New York Nicks' decision. It’s apparent he leans on the word of God and hasn’t died in the wilderness of adversity! Enjoy his blog which may shed some light on the adversity that he’s confronted and had to endure: www.usandv.com/stephon-marbury-blogger

Even in adversity, opportunity does knock . Yes we aren't exempt for God's blessings in the midst of difficulties and hardships. For those of us currently enduring hardship during adversity, we can think of this young man as our team mate “Doctor Stephon “Starbury” Xavier Marbury ” – our MVP in his natural and spiritual game of life! Let’s confidently post his picture in our psyches and label him triumphant!

We are triumphant also , even when we are a free agent-released from the places that once employedand comforted us! when the familiar is now foreign to our way of living and thinking. I believe the time out allows God to have our undivided attention and if we allow Him, God's perfect will is manifested! We are then shored up for the next leg of the journey! Just reflect and look back. I was so pleased to learn that Stephon wouldn’t settle for what others deemed as “his worth”.

He envisioned more in his financial settlement and was not wavering. I further applauded his conviction and his forthright attitude! Mr. Marbury has vision not only for his basketball career but his personal pursuits which entail helping others jump start their career and aspirations! I commend him-he’s a young man with a panoramic view! As of this writing he’s still a free agent and I am excited about the possibilities for him that lies ahead. During ths morning ‘s interview with Tom Joyner he shared that at the end of the day he takes himself home and must live with his decisions. Wow, isn’t that the truth for all of us?

My mother said, something similar; she reminded me as a young teen that everywhere I go, I take myself with me! Those were her exact words! That sage wisdom never left me. It’s clear that we can’t run from the hard choices and the difficulties in life. But they'll only lay in wait for us. We’ve got to face them head on and not cower out of fear. Stephon’s work ethic, life lessons and parent’s home training has afforded him the ability to understand that a plan of action which includes having a personal mission and vision, must be executed even while we wait. Wait on our change to come!

A plan of action for the lean as well as the lax moments is a necessity. But just hold on to the realization that opportunity is rounding the corner and will be knocking at our doors! I am certain God had this all planned for us as well as our all star player: Stephon Marbury-to learn and appreciate !

Why not be like him and appreciate that opportunity does knock even during the most peculiar times. Our friend has creatively designed a plan be inclusive of stewardship—which will will make someone else’s load lighter. He’s invited those interested in learning about an opportunity to financially grow independent at opportunity@starbury.com

Don't doubt his motives and sincerity. Remember he had the heart to assist working families with the creation of sports/basketball gear that wouldn’t break the banks? In his own words:

"As Jay said, "there's much bigger problems in the world I know
but I first had to take care of the place I know. I'm from the bottom..." That's
where I'm at. We are putting people in position now to control thei r own
destiny through opportunity@starbury.com

Most companies are laying people off but we're putting
people on. Not only that but we are putting small businesses on and providing
moms and pops stores opportunities to get into e-commerce and expand their
product distribution and grow th eir companies. To me that's a win-win.
http://www.usandv.com/stephon-marbury-blogger

Ok folks the game is underway and Dr. Starbury has command of the court and he’s passing the ball to you and me!!! heads up! Don’t miss the move of God!

Have a super day friends!

Shared with Enthusiasm,

Linda Mose Meadows, Author

The Blessedness of Believing

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

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

NOMINATED FOR KREATIV BLOGGER AWARD

From the fullness of his grace we have

all received one blessing after another.

John 1:16

It is always a thrill -to receive an award. I am honored to be one of the recipients of the “Kreativ Blogger Award.” Many thanks go to my fellow Blogger Drusilla Pair of Find Your Folks for selecting me for this award. Here are the procedures connected with the KreativBlogger Award:

1. Copy the award to your site.
2. Link to the person from whom you received the award.
3. Nominate 7 other bloggers.
4. Link to those sites on your blog.
5. Leave a message on the blogs you nominate.

I have added the "KreativBlogger Award" logo to my blog and have placed links to the person who gave me this award in this posting. Kindly reference my blog: The Blessedness of Believing's list of blogs I enjoy following. Additionally, as a recipient of this award, I am required to nominate seven other blogs. Below, is a list of my nominations for the “KreativBlogger Award by Stephen Danko

1. J Ray Rice: Understanding the Effects of Unresolved Abandonment Issues
2. Gayle: The Artist's Journey
3. Earnest Graham : Look Both Ways Art and Faith
4. Live Well Naturally
5. Linda Pate: Rooms of Conversation
6. Tony L. Jefferson, Jr. : Poetic Mindstate
7. Pastor Richard D. Meadows Jr.

Finally, I will leave comments on each of these blogs signaling their nomimation for the Kreativ Blogger Award. Thanks again to Drusilla for your nomination. It's indeed am honor to be included in a group of such creative and insightful bloggers. Yes, they are all Great with a capital "G!"! Continue on friends and pass the blessing forward.

Shared With Great Joy,
Linda Mose Meadows, Author
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/