GOOGLE YOUR NAME!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord,"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Today friends that's just what I did, google my name! Try it you'll be amazed at what awaits you! Then I typed my name in the search box on YouTube to discover my reading of my poem Destiny by Linda Mose Meadows. This reading was at the Word4Word Anniversary celebration at Aroma's Cafe in Newport News. Generally I enjoy writing devtionals, but since attending the Word4Word Open Mics I thought I'd attempt writing poetry. We were challenged to write about "destiny". Look out Nikki, I am here!(Nikki Giovani is one of my favorite poets :-) I'm having a wonderful time actively participating in my life friends! I thank God for the wonderful opportunities and celebrations that God brings my way! I pray that you too are embracing your destinies!

DESTINY
by Linda Mose Meadows

Sharing, Hearing what the Divine has pushed her to believe,
Struggling, falling, crawling, leaning, swaying
letting one cane fall softly to the warn carpet
she reaches for her prosthesis

Before long, standing proudly and then comfortably moving toward her motorized chair
Destiny delights in newly acquainted freedom
No containing her for another neighbor's "dop-in" interrogation

"Energy to spare" is what rolls off wagging, jealous tongues
"She only got one good leg, while the others a stump!"
"She don't sit still!"
Destiny chuckles in anticipation of
Bumpy, cracked sidewalks,
unpaved roads, hard hats and Warning signs!
Secretly it's a delicious challenge, reborn joy, deep down joy
She whispers How great thou art!"

Destiny's mind races
bygone days of dancing halls, reaching for bursting peaches and walking carefree
Kicking up some dust!

She is assured:
"Greater is He that is within me!"
"For I know t

he plans I have for you!"
"You are not forsaken!"
"Those He foreknew He foreloved!"

Destiny witnesses the bewildering stares, gawking, wondering:
"Where she headed?"
Smiling, eyes twinkling
Nods her heart answers,
"I am headed somewhere, the Lord knows!"
"I'm alive, I'm alive!"



Shared In Love--Keep hope in yor hearts,
Linda Mose Meadow, Inspiratonal Columnist & Author:
The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

LOVE & FAMILY: THE SPICE OF LIFE!

"My people will live in peaceful dwelling places in secure homes,

in undisturbed places of rest."

Isaiah 32:18

I am searching high and low for the right combination of spices. Initially it was not my choice to be so selective, but now I am making a concerted effort to eat better, consume more low fat items and really taste the food. My nurse practioner wasn't playing with me! She pulled no punches when she shared my health diagnosis, presented her leaflets, a variety of moderate diets, retrieved my sample medications, and then provided me with a compartmentalized plastic dish. My husband was having a good time teasing me about not jamming my lunch in the compartments. It was really funny but I tried to ignore him and that smart statement. This Tupperware instructional dish accompanied exTplicit instructions about portion control. Before long tears began to flow because I knew this was my call to get my health in order. I'd have to abandon my Chinese Buffets for now. Just days before that medical visit I agreed that mentally I would stop being in denial about my weight gain and get proactive about being healthier. Never imagined it would be sooner than later. My health prognosis with that recent mental declaration was now the alarm clock for my wakeup call!

In order to make progress my thinking must change! Are you there also?



Daily, I'm encouraged by the improvement in my health with new a renewed mindset and deliberate choices. It's my hope that longevity and a better quality of life are in my forecast.




Friends what really warmed my heart and encouraged my soul was my recent visit to Farm Fresh grocery store. In their aisle with baking items my eyes caught a creatively wrapped jar that contained cinammon and sugar! This wasn't the spice I'd purchase, but God knew I needed to see this. Let me explain.



Growing up, my mother would create this exact sugar and cinammon combination in a small jar and sprinkle it on our buttered toast. Was it ever tasty! The melted butter on the warm toast with the sugar and cinammon delighted our tummies! Our Mama was so good about providing us wholesome baked goods on a meager income. Mexican wedding cakes, chocolate chip cookies, biscuits, graham crackers with a wedge of ice cream (ice cream sandwiches), popcorn popped on the stove were the usual treats. My mother desired that we'd have cookies and snacks like other children and made sure that she'd provide us with that as she was stretching her dollars. Many, many cold and snowy Buffalo mornings, we'd enjoy cinammon toast with hot oatmeal before going to stand outdoors to wait for the school bus. Days that would now be considered "snow days" simply meant dress for the occasion and get out there and go to school!




How I wished my brothers had been with me at Farm Fresh to laugh and tease about more of our childhood memories. For a moment I was surrounded by my family . Their love was tremendously assuring. In search of a simple jar of spice, I was met with a loving flood of comforting memories. I felt so much better about many things while pushing my grocery cart.

"Lord I thank you that in the midst of our current affairs, you provide us with nuggets of joy to hold on to faith which spur us on to keep living! "

"Thank you for the many acts of kindness

and love we've received.

We realize that love and family are the spice of life!

We give you the honor and glory!"

Have a good day!

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

THE POWER OF ONE!

Deep In Thought Photography by Author, Linda Mose Meadows



Your skepticisms about another's ability are yours-definitely not relevant about the power that they have within!

~Linda Meadows~

URBAN VIEWS WEEKLY

In Print & On-Line

Friends, Kindly Visit My

Inspirational Column in Urban Views Weekly

for :
November 4, 2009

THE POWER OF ONE

Pg. 4

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

A heart at peace gives life to the body.

Proverbs 14:30

Sharing in Faith,

Linda Mose Meadows, Author & Columnist

The Blessedness of Believing

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

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

PAY ATTENTION TO THE SIGNS!

Photo by: Linda Meadows

This plant often surprises me.

Some mornings it's blossoming with new flowers!

“Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragement, and impossibilities:
It is this; that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak.”
—Thomas Carlyle(1795-1881), historian, essayist, satirist

Could it be that the most driven personalities, the most audacious, determined spirits walk their own paths in life and feel that they need not borrow from our platter of experiences? Come what may, they are going to do things their way and in their own time. Many of them may see the signs, the seemingly very obvious indicators (to me and you) telling them to go another way, avoid the pitfalls, smell the coffee, get out of that business plan, abort that agenda, leap from the burning building, or squash that dream. But they shrug their shoulders in disbelief and ignore us! Their exuberance can’t hold a candle to the voice of caution. It’s a “faith system” that befuddles most. They read the “signs” differently! You can’t get in their way. That’s that resolve that reminds me of the scripture that “God did not give us the spirit of fear, but of love and a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

Several days ago I realized that during my noon walk I pass a line of trees, not very tall but they are lovely. If I am too absorbed in thought, I miss them all together. Move too fast and I am around the corner and back in my office. Depending upon the season, the transformation of leaves and buds has occurred over night. The leaves and flowers appear and re-appear in varying brilliant colors- the weather and the season play a huge factor. The trees have that tell tale sign that a change has resulted. Are we having an “aha moment”? I believe that Holy Spirit is speaking:

He desires that we understand that that change is eminent. We will experience seasons of lack, prosperity, joy, pain, and the trying of our patience, but we can be like the trees planted on my lunch walk! Change doesn't deminish it's beauty. It's foundation is strong! Is yours?

Our spiritual foundation will sustain and nourish us during the harshness of the elements. Study and pray to become further rooted and grounded in God’s word. Let love and faith will anchor you. The benefits of your spiritual foundation will help you to thrive. I am a witness!

Are you paying attention to the seasons in your life? Are they serving to mature you and encourage you? Remember it’s all a life lesson –just pay close attention to the momentum. Growth is evident. Take a moment and let your mind escort you back to all that you’ve encountered. Remember God’s grace? It’s right there.

• I am confident that God desires that we understand that that change is eminent. We will experience seasons of lack, prosperity, joy, pain, and the trying of our patience, but we can be like the trees rooted and grounded-still standing! We too can be determined to live and not die, no matter the season!

• Literally enjoy the signs of nature, the artistic impressions, the billboards, the graffiti, the conversations, the relationships, the dynamics and the words, so many words along the way; learn from them!. Take them as signs to assist in navagaating your way. Filter what has no place in your spirit! Pay attention to the signs! Go on and tuck them in your heart.
  
  

Friends it’s a fact, God doesn’t abandon His own! Your blessed pursuits–whether they be unchartered waters or familiar avenues; fully rely on God! Surely you’ll know victory.

Shared With Joy,

Linda Mose Meadows, Columnist & Inspirational Author:

The Blessedness of Believing

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

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com

PRICELESS GIFTS

One of the "gift" books on work table:

His Children

by Anita Schiller, photographer

and Susan Noyes Anderson, poet

there's wisdom here

the power of three

the power of surf

and sand and sea

the power to kneel upon the ground

the power to build on something sound

the power to feel

that nothing ends

the power of three

the power of friends

the power of surf

and sand and sea

there's wisdom here

the power of three

Some finds are priceless. That awesome leather bag you discover at your favorite TJ Maxx store makes you want to break out in a dance. A red dress drastically marked down and then the 75% discount on top of that was waiting just for you-oh that's divine! The beautifully decorated brown and turquoise journal and box of humorous gift cards discovered underneathe the pile contsruction paper poking out in view for your eyes only. Or that tray of perrenials at your Home Depot that you happened upon because you needed those energy efficient bulbs, and just before you make your way to the check out line, youn dart over to garden wares. Your whistling, humming and dancing because of your garden discounts! The treasures we stumble upon when we least expect them are wonderful and so easy on our wallets. You haven't broken the bank and the retail therapy was just what the doctor ordered.

Oh, it is really one of the sweetest feeling being able to indulge yourself when you least expect it. I have discovered a treasure trove right there at work and there are no costs and long shopping lines. I can't tell you the number of times I've walked by the table stationed next to the vending machine and rarely looked at the items on top the table. This table isn't ornately designed, skirted with a banner, nor display. It'a like the can of cookies on top the fridge and no one notices the contents. You see the can in the same location, but seldom shake the can to examine the goodies. Try it-it really works.

Weekly there are new books on top the table. They are "freebies!" Inconspicuosly in the open! Yes, it's really an oxymoron. In plain sight there are a several books. If you paid no attention, you'd think they were text books. Not so. These are wonderful books: word puzzles, mysteries, novels, how-to-books, cookbooks, children's books and inspirational selections. Gently used and brand new books. One day I quickly glanced and then stopped, I was having a "Barnes & Noble" moment and just giggled with sheer delight. The identity of the book fairy is unknown. The books are here today and then gone. But the treasure is always replenished. It's a book lovers dream! I feel very fortunate and blessed by the donors generosity and am extremely thankful for the unexpected gifts. My personal work library has flourished-it brings me joy!

In the midst of a rushed workday, I can slow down for a moment, reach for a wonderful book, learn how to create a wreathe, marvel at artwork, celebrate with a poem, or escape through the photographers' lense and just be still and breathe because of a priceless gift.

From My Heart to Yours,

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/
http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT? I GOT TO KNOW YOU!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart.

Do not depend on your own understanding.

In all your ways remember him.

Then he will make your paths smooth and straight.
Proverbs 3: 5-6

Donnie McClurkin featuring Marvin L. Winans - Live in London

This morning, I was deliberately searching for an uplifting word, possibly a song, a melody something that would speak to my heart and my circumstance. As I read a students’ file, then reviewed an assignment, I stopped and paid attention to the radio. There it was so clear and accurate on the radio-one of my favorite songs by Donnie McClurkin: Who Would Have Thought! It didn’t take long, I had ownership of the song and revelation that the lyrics were my testimony.

Hold tight to your testimonies friend, they build you and shape you and encourage you when life is especially confusing!

I have embedded this Youtube video of Marvin Winnans and Donnie McClurkin for you and hope that you’ll also have opportunity to listen and rejoice because of the truth that is resonated is timely! Think about it friends, so many others have boosted and almost shouted, “I know Jesus!” and “I’m too blessed to be stressed!” “Yes, I am blessed and highly favored!”

That might be their truth; but what of your experience? Some days you may be hard pressed to utter those sentiments. Oh, we realize that the goodness of the Lord, but the weight of the world has us pinned against the wall. Just for an instance, reflect that you too have come through the fire and rain and yes, it was awesome grace and mercy that allowed us not to be consumed by life’s floods and fire! You are enduring, that loss you’ve overcome!

We are victorious and well acquainted with God! How do we know? It’s that genuine bounce in your step; that too much too soon responsibility that you carry, which has not caused you to loose your way; that restored joy reborn; that trouble you encounter which causes you to trust, pray and persevere; that hurried pace you move at-you’re on a divine mission ;
that ________, whatever it is that has caused you to become very intimate with God!

Who would have thought, we got to know God for ourselves!

Indeed you are friends with our creator! On a first name basis! You move and breathe with assurance because you too know God for yourself and never ever have to boost because in your spirit, it’s evident! It’s realized ! Go right ahead, jump shout and praise God and sing with Donnie: “I got to know him in a better way!”

Sharing In Love,

Linda Mose Meadows, Inspirational Columnist & Author:

The Blessedness of Believing

A Devotional Journey of Life's lessons and God's Promises (tate Publishing)

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

2009 LIFE THROUGH LITERATURE FESTIVAL: AN UPLIFTING EVENT!

Poplar Lawn Park,

Sycamore Street

Petersburg, Virginia

Thanks for your support Brother Charles!

"The Lord has done great things for us,

and we are filled with joy."

Psalm 126:3

The Mayor of Petersburg,

The Honorable Annie M. Mickens

The overcast skies had to give way to the warmth, fervor and excitement felt throughout the day for the wonderful festivities of the:

2009 Life Through Literature

held today, October 10, 2009.

Author, Linda Mose Meadows happily participated in

Author's Pavilion!

It was indeed an awesome community literary event! Kudos to City of Petersburg, Mayor Annie M. Mickens, the Petersburg Public Library System, its sponsors and a host of vendors, literary characters and some soulful entertainers!

Wonderful, wonderful is just what this day was. It was exhilarating to be in the company of such esteemed authors as: Karen Winston (Lindula Finds Joy), John Bryan (Take Me Fishing), Amina Luqman-Dawon (Afro-Americans of Petersburg), Elvetrice Parker Belches (Black America Series: Richmond), Charles Lee (Preacher Man), Walton Graham (Critter Crossing), Rev. Angel E. White (In the Beginning God) and my wonderful friend: Editor and Founder of Tools For Life, Ronette Jacobs. These authors were provided an opportunity to showcase their projects and publications. We shared our literary publishing experiences, read excerpts of our work and entertained questions. It was an opportunity to learn, share and celebrate a realized dream.

Children and adults had a ball interacting with Dr. Sesus' Cat In The Hat and Curious George mascots. Books galore were available to everyone! It was a book lovers haven. Everyone was encouraged to take as many books as their arms could carry! No doubt Poplar Lawn Park was the perfect sight to host an upbeat family friendly event. The overall atmosphere chased the gray clouds away and graciously invited the sun to stay a while, beckoned authors to continue framing and building their works and conveyed to book lovers that The Petersburg Library has a heart purposed for literacy enrichment!

Was this community appreciative? Just ask the little boy walking with his tiger painted face, wearing his unique ballon crown and clutching his precious book? I am sure his answer is a resounding, "Yep!" Surely it was evident to on-lookers as the little guy walked with his own book glued to his little face. Friends, it's confirmation enough for me-that books delight and enrich us!

I knew that if the festival event planners needed a report card or an indicator for sucess, they only needed to visually survey the park particpants and note that practically everyone gleefully held several books; free books of their own choosing. Books that they'd take home and call their own! I contend that indeed the 2009 Life Through Literature Festival was a super success! Job well done!

Shared in Joy,

Linda Mose Meadows, Author & Columnist

The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons

And God's Promises (Tate Publishing, Nov.2007)

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