Posted by: blessedauthorlm on: February 7, 2010
Friends, Kindly Visit My Inspirational Column in Urban Views Weekly

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Posted by: blessedauthorlm on: February 6, 2010
Photographer Don Snyder has beautifully captured Chappelle Letman’s creative essence in this picture!
“When there is no where else to turn, turn inward. Enter into the sacred silence of your soul and ask for healing, guidance and personal peace. ” Michaiel Bovenes (born 1963); Spiritual Empowerment Teacher, Professional Speaker
I am very pleased to introduce you to an outstanding man. He’s an amazing person that I am elated to call friend: Chappelle Letman. Our initial introduction occured when I was selected to become a contributing journalist for The International Review of African American Art. I quickly learned that this sculptor and visual artist was no ordinary man. Literally he walks by faith. This Spring 2010 Edition of The International Review of African American Art will include a glimpse Chappelle Letman and feature one of his select pieces of sculpture. I wanted to do more. I felt the urgency that there must be another way that would allow me to further contribute and share with others about this phenomenal artist. Values.com provided the perfect venue to share what my heart wished to convey about Chappelle’s humor, joy of living and deep abiding faith in God.
When viewing his art and conversing with him, it is evident that his inner vision and resolve push him to persevere as a visually challenged in a “sighted” world. What’s better than a billboard on the information highway-the internet? Values.com, Foundations For a Better Life is an inspirational website-one of my favorites which allows all of us to create an inspirational community billboard! ( Enjoy creating a billboard also! On the Home page, click on the red banner CREATE YOUR OWN BILLBOARD.) I knew of just the right photo of Chappelle. I contacted Greg McGrath at The Cleveland Sight Center, sharing my endeavors and then Don Snyder of Don Snyder Photography, Inc. requesting his permission for my use of his photos of Mr. Letman.
God answered my prayers; Mr. McGrath was enthusiastic about my project and Mr. Snyder graciously consented for my use of his Letman photos-for that I am grateful! And then I got busy creating! The Holy Ghost spoke to my heart and here’s what I entitled the billboard and was prompted to write:
Chappelle Letman: A remarkable sculptor with eyes of faith.
INNER VISION
http://www.values.com/your_billboards/3250
“Mr. Chappelle Letman is a 21st century master sculptor, a true renaissance artist. Prior to losing his vision permanently in 1992 he worked in construction to supplement his income, this artist loved painting with oils which depicted nature scenes, cityscapes and people. Eight years later transitioning into a new reality of being visually challenged wasn’t necessarily easy for him. Mr. Letman recalled his loving mother’s promptings to excel and live his best life. She instilled wisdom and a sound work ethic which he continually exhibits. His spirit conveyed, “Don’t panic, have faith.” This life lesson carries over when he humbly encourages young artists challenged visually and physically to express themselves and not live by other’s dictates. He echoes, “Stay alert and use your instincts.” He uses his own words of wisdom which have prepared him for independence and creative expression. He’s surely humble, but no shrinking violet. His life skills coupled with California’s Sight Center instrumental instructions regarding technology devices and visual aids helped Chappelle Letman live life with dignity. His heart is open to God’s leading and his hands become the instrument for his creative expression which have been captured by the photographer Don Snyder. Art and healing is a phenomenal partnership. Chappelle Letman’s life is evidence that healing can occur if we remain open to what God reveals in our inner visions. He receives support and is in partnership with organizations that promote independence for the visually impaired: the Ohio Arts Council, the Cleveland Sight Center and Kentucky‘s American Printing House.”
We celebrate your inner vision Chappelle, your creative energy and most assuredly thank God for you beating the odds as you continually encourage our hearts!
Expressing Thanksgiving & Joy!
Linda Mose Meadows, Author & Inspirational Columnist:
The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises
Posted by: blessedauthorlm on: January 31, 2010
BEST OF 2009!
“This is a exciting world.
It is cram-packed with opportunity.
Great moments wait around every corner.”
Richard David De Vos
Expressing Thanksgiving & Joy!
Linda Mose Meadows, Author & Inspirational Columnist:
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
Posted by: blessedauthorlm on: January 26, 2010
Address: 617 27th Street, Newport News, VA 23607
Phone Number: (757) 245-1991 (757) 245-1991
Email: jafieldshouse@hotmail.com
A Blessedness of Believing Series: Youtube Tribute to Elder Greg Cherry
Elder Greg Cherry (1955-2007) was a passionate historian who dreamed of acquiring the historic James Apostle Fields House before a demolition crew was scheduled to level this important landmark. Elder Cherry continually petitoned the City of Newport News for three years regarding his ownership of an important piece of Virginia’s African American history. Elder Cherry successfully acquired the James A. Fields House. In that year of 2000, the Cherry’s began restoring the house and thus began a labor of love and committment dedicated to educating a community regarding the treasure that had withstood years of neglect.
Today, there is a continued need for the greater community to support the James A. Fields House. Dr. Saundra Cherry remains faithful and dedicated to the vision of preserving this historic landmark and museum located in Newport News, VA. She is compelled to carry on the legacy in order that future generations will continue to appreciate and celebrate the amazing life of James Apostle Fields. We’re extremely grateful for Elder Greg Cherry’s zeal and love for life, history, culture and the arts. And more importantly, we salute Dr. Saundra Cherry for continuing to build upon the legacy of a noble man.
As a result of the Cherry’s outpouring of love and preservation, the James A. Fields House is listed on the Virginia Landmark Register, the National Register of Historic Places, and the Virginia Civil War Trails. Museum visitors have a unique opportunity to experience firsthand what the turn of the century life resembled for African Americans living in in Newport News. We hope many more will follow Virginia’s Trails leading to the James A. Fields House embrace this passionate mission and support the vision!
Posted by: blessedauthorlm on: January 18, 2010
LET US NOT LOVE IN WORD OR IN TONGUE,
Posted by: blessedauthorlm on: January 15, 2010
Standing on the cold linoleum kitchen floor,
Gazing out the back window,
Wrapped up in my heavy sweater,
No thoughts dominating another.
Just enjoying,
Enjoying my refudge,
Enjoying my sanctuary-home!
A sweet, easy Sunday afternoon,
My white, now gray warn sweater,
Hugs my weary body.
The atmosphere whispers,
“Rest, don’t you dare rush!”
“Move easy, don’t be hasty!”
Sipping warm chocolatey joy,
This is the long awaited elixir!
Delightfully perched,
The holly tree branches bend-sway,
Appearing so regal-so assured in your feathered coat of cobalt blue and steel gray,
You beckoned me to watch,
Witness your undisturbed perch.
Confident,
Pulling back my curtain, I applauded your presence.
Thank you, You are here!
And low and behold,
Another friend.
“Good Afternoon,Cardinal what brings you here?”
“Could this be the hallow ground that awaits us?”
And then it dawned on me,
Would I know Him if I saw him?
The Lover of My Soul, the Lifter of My Head!
Sun streaming,
Leaves twirling,
Crisp air moving.
Birds fluttering,
Stillness hovering?
Would I hear Him in my steps?
Feel Him in the atmosphere?
Hear Him in my breathing?
Reverence Him the quiet?
Witness Him in Nature?
Or rush past Him in haste?
Today, I know Him,
Acknowledge, notice the Divine,
Marvel at His presence.
You are truly here!
The inception of my poem occured on Sunday afternoon. It was really a crisp, wintery feeling day. There was no snow, but it was certainly cold. I stood in my kitchen, wearing my favorite warn sweater and just enjoyed gazing out the window. There was nothing particularly interesting at that moment. But then I noticed a fire engine red furry ball moving, or so it appeared. As I looked closer, I realized it was a Cardinal playing in a pile of leaves. What a wonderful sight. This was a first for me, witnessing this.
Posted by: blessedauthorlm on: January 7, 2010


LINDA MOSE MEADOWS
Pg. 3
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