THE BLESSEDNESS OF BELIEVING: ON THE BOOK SHELF AT THE FRANK E. MERRIWEATHER LIBRARY

My devotional is at the prominent Frank E. Merriweather Library!

I am so appreciative and thankful to Mrs. Sandra Williams–Bush, the Librarian and Branch Manager for blessing me with this opportunity to encourage the heart of another reader seeking to further understand God’s promises.

Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Library
1324 Jefferson Avenue Buffalo, NY 14208

716-883-4418

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good.

Psalm 136:1

The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises by Linda Mose Meadows can be referenced at the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Public Library. Yes, this has occurred in my hometown of Buffalo, New York! I am honored! This is truly a “Wow” and a “Look at God” moment for me. I am so appreciative and thankful to Mrs. Sandra Williams–Bush, the Librarian and Branch Manager for blessing me with this opportunity to encourage the heart of another reader seeking to further understand God’s promises.

It’s heartwarming to know that my devotional now resides in a public, state of the art architectural treasure. The Merriweather Library houses an exciting collection of literary/audio works inclusive of an African American Resource Room, adult and youth reading rooms, a technology training lab, and an auditorium. This impressive, 20,000 square foot facility is designed by the distinguished Architect Robert Traynham Coles. Its artful African motif is located at the corner of Jefferson Avenue and Utica Street. Not only is the building striking, but the notable and extraordinary works which promote community-wide literacy and empowerment are ongoing!

Friends, it brings me sweet joy to know that the former North Jefferson Library which I visited constantly with my (then elementary school aged) son has built an outstanding facility which remains on the East Side of Buffalo, NY. If you desire to freely peruse through my inspirational devotional, and other stimulating works, await your eager heart. I surely hope that God will speak to your circumstance. My devotional awaits you among other local authors in the William A. Miles Center for African and African-American Studies.

There’s no place like home! I am celebrating, humming probably off key and believing that with God all things are possible!

From My Heart to Yours!
Linda Mose Meadows, Author
The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promiseshttp://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

WITH LOVE, CLOSE YOUR EYES AND HOLD ON TIGHT TO YOUR HEART!

Love covers over all wrongs.

Proverbs 10:12

"With love close your eyes and hold on tight to your heart." My eyes scanned those words and my heart immediatley smiled. Those words were in my junk email. Had I not been curious today, I would have missed this. What was such an important message doing there? Well, I almost missed these ardent words!

How important those words were to me today, God only knows! After reading the content, I suspect you'll agree! Here’s a timely blog post written by my husband:

A “fatherless son” and a son without a father, all in one
lifetime. It is kind of strange that I have been without a father for so long
and this year and I mean just this year he come back into my life. He has always stood in the shadows of my life. I have to admit he did come to some events: A little league football practice, eighth grade graduation, twelve grade graduation, embalming school graduation and that is about where it stopped until I was married in 1998. In ten years I have seen him for a total of 10 hours and no I am not blessed to at least have a father. I mean I am, but wow. Currently, he is having a difficult time with his health and in rehab for it. So he is a fragile, older man. I don't think he has the energy to resist beign a father any longer.

He is one of the nicest people you would ever want to meet,
so I ask the question why wasn’t he nice to me?

I know a lot of people and they are very nice to me. I have
men who have stepped in all my life and carried on the role of father the best they could. They have taken me to games and events and let me share with their families as if I was a son. The only thing wrong with this scenario is that you are not a son, and my own hang-ups kept me from feeling worthy. That is a good way to describe it, I have never felt worthy of having a father other than my own.

My father, he was nice to everyone; all my friends regard
him as a cool dude. Cousin Chucky would always say “your dad is a cool dude.” Well, I did not want a cool dude I wanted and needed a dad.

This year I am letting him connect with me and next week I
will spend time with him, maybe not a lot but it will be quality time. I have to remember he is my father and due respect. I won’t be disrespectful I believe I will be cautious. I am used to guarding my heart.

So on this Father’s Day I remember my son who I miss dearly.
It is not that my other children are not vitally important. I have three
daughters and two sons and my sons have dads. But the son who was killed was my first child and he made me a father. My son Torrie always had Elijah his grandfather who I know he feels like was his dad. He had Phil his biological father and as he grew into a man really began to connect with Phil and then Phil all of a sudden died. He died a young man. Mike has his dad Mike. I have many other little fellows I regard as sons.

My son Courtney allowed me to take long walks in a stroller,
spend long hours at the park and be a father to him. I remember the day he was born, I spent hours looking at him and it was as if we were talking from day one. He was a talker and if he didn’t have something to talk about, he would make up something. He had a vivid imagination. He could entertain you with his questions and more so with his answers. We had dogs’ together, fish together and his favorite, ice cream together. He was always asking you did you “re-nemamba” something as if he was older. I remember Courtney with the greatest joy. Albert Raboteau expresses it as a Sorrowful Joy. I am so sorry he is gone but he
brought such great joy to my life. I am going to conclude with this; my daughter and I are going to see India Arie this evening and one of my favorite songs she sings is Good Morning. “Listen” to the words or read them.

Good morning silence
Good morning to myself
Good
morning to the pain in the center of my chest It's crazy how much I missa simple
good morning kiss

Good morning independence or is it loneliness?
I know I
said I wanted this but I have regretsI pray for God's will to be done The very
next day you were gone

Good morning to the harsh realities of life We made a
promise to stay But destiny got in the way

Good morning acceptance
Good morning inner strength
I'm loving every moment even the strain

It's crazy how much I miss
a simple good morning kiss
It's crazy how much I've missed
Now it's time for me to live

Good morning optimism
Good morning to my faith
Good
morning to the beginning of a brand new day

I know that God's will be done
So I lay down my pain and
I'm moving on

I know that God's will be done.
So it's a good morning
after all

--
Written by: Richard D. Meadows, Jr.

<http://pastormeadows.blogspot.com/2009/06/my-fathers-day-i-miss-u-both.html> at 6/20/2009 07:56:00 AM

Shared in Love,

Linda Mose Meadows , Inspirational Columnist & Author:

The Blessedness of Believing

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

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

FEAR NOT!

Do not fear going forward slowly, fear only to stand still

Chinese Proverb

This week has been very outstanding one for me! When my grandmother hugged me in the doctor's waiting room, it was priceless. It's my turn to be the shoulder she can rest upon and does it feel divine! Lord thank you! Also, I learned that I was in the spot light twice this week one with sharing my intimate thoughts on Precious Memories' Author's Spot Light and the other with being introduced as the featured Inspirational Author in Urban Views Weekly! Not that I.m so good and accomplished. I am learning to hold tight to my fath and wait it out! It's a testament to the indwelling divine. So many wonderful opportunities to be realized. It's not only me climbing, but the circle of loved ones that lifted my weary soul when I just didn't see how! There were days an encouaging word spoken at the right time changed my heart and mind!

I am greatful to the prayer covering over my life and the many blessings that are evident! It's really not about me but the Christ that resides in me and you! All we endure is really is for our good; it molds us for the days ahead.

Seeing my family and learning that God's mighty and outstretched hand was readily visisble for me. It's a gift I share with you: these spotlights becasue it's nothing I could have orchastrated! It's divine, straight from the throne room of heaven. I implore you to trust and confidently believe that your dreams will be birthed! God will doing exceedingly and abundantly more than you'd ever imagine. Let me be your blessed poster woman. Here are the two spotlights that speak to God's goodness and what it means for me to be an inspirational author and columnist! I say, "Look at God!" He's right here!

http://www.preciousmemoriesreading.com/spotlight.html

http://urbanviewsweekly.va.newsmemory.com/

From My Heart To Yours,

Linda Mose Meadows, Your Friend In Christ!

PRECIOUS MEMORIES LAUNCHES ON-LINE BOOK STORE-THEY'RE ON THE MOVE!

Linda Pate:

A visionary with a compassionate heart for the community!

In unison let's all say, "Go Linda, Go!" Kudos to the owner of Precious Memories Bookstore, and Linda, an accomplished woman in her own right! She's an Essence Magazine and New York Times Reporting Book Store and the Urban Views Weekly Book Review Columnist. Watch out she's on the move and and taking her vision to higher heights. She's got heart and a vision for providing a helping hand to author's as well as inspiring youth to grab hold of their dreams! I am so proud to call you my dear Sister in Christ and a wonderful friend!! It's evident that God's handling her business in ways she hasn't fathomed!! The Lord is her shepherd!








May God continue to shower His riches blessings and gifts upon her!








Learn more about Pecious Memories Book Store and Linda's community literary visions at:

http://www.preciousmemoriesreading.com/store/index.php

The path of righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,

shining ever brighter till the

the full light of day. Proverbs 4:18

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

LIVING THROUGH GRIEF!

In Print & On-Line

Friends, Kindly Visit My

Inspirational Column in Urban Views Weekly

for :

June 17, 2009
Living Through Grief
Pg. 4

http://urbanviewsweekly.va.newsmemory.com/eebrowser/frame/3_0kp/init/def_frames.php?pSetup=urbanviewsweekly&acctpg=1

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

Proverbs 3:5

Sharing in Faith,

Linda Mose Meadows, Author

The Blessedness of Believing

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

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

COME AND LET US DANCE, SHOUT AND SING TO THE KING OF KINGS

Awesome Photo by Matt McClure

Friends are the precious gems that God gives us!

They should be treasured!
Linda Mose Meadows

I am feeling slightly better. Several days ago my blood pressure was very elevated, and then a peristant pain in my neck developed! It had been unbearable! I thought I was experiencing a stroke. After being out of work for 2 days and several emergency room visits, I thank God I wasn’t having a stroke but severe muscle strain. I am following up with my physican. But something is happening that I am not really addressing, that's the loss of my friend. I am grieving! She's gone and it's hard to accept. So I too am wondering about my demise and how fragile and speedily life moves. But more importantly I am publically acknowledging that friends are the precious gems that God gives us. Yes, they should be treasured.

My husband who's my spiritual physician shared this Youtube video of praise & worship just a few moments ago-I followed his advice and did get up and dance. That was excellent medicine. I believe he hit the nail on head when he said that I was feeling very down because of my friend Brenda. She recently died in her sleep. My heart is truly broken and I constantly think of her life, moments we've shared and her sons growing up with Mike and what values and work ethic she and Lance instilled in them. Ricky reminded me that I must do something to honor her (as I’d recently referenced in my Grief article). "Honey take your own medicine!" These were the words of wisdom-some sound advice.

Friends, I am the queen of encouraging others. His advice was priceless. I must let God speak to my grieving heart and honor Benda's life. I will do something special. She loved teaching, was an avid reader and an innovative super mother and good friend. Today, right now in this moment, I’ll worship the Lord and ask Him for guidance on how I should pay honor to my dear sister friend, Brenda McKenzie! Thank you Lord for her life and love shown! Celebration is in order!

Psalm 95: 1-7

(New International Reader's Version)

Come, let us sing with joy to the Lord.

Let us give a loud shout to the Rock who saves us.

Let us come to him and give him thanks.

Let us praise him with music and song.

The Lord is the great God.

He is the greatest King.

He rules over all of the gods.

He owns the deepest parts of the earth.

The mountain peaks belong to him.

The ocean is his, because he made it.

He formed the dry land with his hands.

Come, let us bow down and worship him.

Let us fall on our knees in front of the Lord our Maker.

He is our God.

We are the sheep belonging to his flock.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2095



Come & Let Us Sing
Israel & New Breed with Jonathan Butler

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

A CREME DE LA CREME BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!

"The sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers,

but for the wide world's joy."

Henry Ward Beecher: Inspirational and Motivational Quotes on Joy

RADIO GOLF's

All star and truly stellar performers:

Walter Coppage, Erik Kilpatrick ,Deidra LaWan Starnes,

Frederick Strother and Kim Sullivan.

This was the Crème De La Crème Birthday celebration!! The verdict is in, the judges have ruled and Richard D. Meadows, Jr. receives 10’s across the electronic board! He made my heart glad and I am so pleased that he placed so much loving care and consideration in providing me with an unforgettably splendid birthday celebration with a trip to Washington, D.C. to spend a star-studded wonderful day in our Nation's Capitol.

Oh friends, I am still reminiscing about the occasion. The first stop was a matinee at the Studio Theatre to see Radio Golf written by my favorite playwright August Wilson. Outstanding! Outstanding! See it or any of August Wilson’s premier plays when they’re at a theatre near you! Sounds like a commercial right? As our friend, Craig says, “Who knew!” I love that–it makes me chuckle.

Each performer brought their A Game. There was so much to contemplate: spiritually, socially and politically? So many questions that begged to be addressed! How are we impacting our world? August Wilson challenges your frame of reference. I left with a greater appreciation for family, our heritage, the wisdom (and antics) of our elders and leaving this universe with our integrity and name in tact! Kudos to the fine actors which were the breathe, the life blood of the production. They were all stellar performers: Walter Coppage, Erik Kilpatrick, Deidra LaWan Starnes, Frederick Strother and Kim Sullivan. It felt as though I'd met new family! At the conclusion of the brilliant performances the cast provided reflections and chatted with the theatre goers. That was such a blessing and a real treat! I thought I was back at Howard University again! I shared that it was a birthday present from Ricky being at the theatre and before long we were taking photos , laughing , chatting and obtaining the cast member’s autographs. The actors were genuinely warm and engaging.

We learned from Deidra that a diner existed aptly entitled: Oohh’s & Aahh’s Soul Food Restaurant owned by Chef Oji Abbott located at 1005 U Street NW. When you're visiting Washington, DC do stop by.

Chef Abbott and his crew have the love of cooking and hospitality down packed! His establishment serves sumptuous home cooking! The meals are prepared with the essence of Grand Mama’s love. No kidding, this is three days later and I have enjoyed my doggie bag for several work lunches. Each morsel is mouthwatering.

We then traveled down U Street and absorbed the sights and jazz sounds of Duke Ellington’s Historic U Street.

Our walking tour included the famous Ben’s Chili Bowl with the painted Panda which greets customers. I understand that business was already super, but since our President Obama has visited, it’s even better!

We wrapped up our tour with a stop at Cake Love, what’s a birthday without desert? It was time to get back on the road, as we walked back to our car, I noticed a poster with picture of the Civil War Memorial, I wanted to learn more about this monument. We found our way to the U St/African-Amer Civil War Memorial/Cardozo Metro station and to my delight there it stood perfectly carved! There are more names than we could imagine (I'll be doing my research). What a fitting salute to our Nation's "Colored" Civil War Veterans. The African American Civil War Memorial , it's handsomely sculpted with the words: The Spirit of Freedom, by Ed Hamilton. This tribute gave me great pride.

We sailed home back to the Virginia Tidewater Area with the top down, (until the thunder and lightning didn’t permit it) with smiles on our faces and dancing hearts. What a super day! Love is truly grand! Thank you Lord for such a precious and wonderful husband!

But as it is written,

Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard,

neither have entered into the heart of man,

the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

1 Corinthians 2:9 (King James Version)

Marveling at God's Goodness,

Linda Mose Meadows, Author

The Blessedness of Believing

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

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/