The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises

WHEN TROUBLE SHOWS, HELP AWAITS YOU!

Posted by: blessedauthorlm on: February 7, 2010

CONVERSATION
By Agnes Nyanhongo
Born 1960 Nyanga, Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Sculpture: A Tradition in Stone @ The Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport
“There are two ways of exerting one’s strength:
one is pushing down, the other is pulling up.”
Booker T. Washington

 

Friends, Kindly Visit My Inspirational Column in Urban Views Weekly

 
URBAN VIEWS WEEKLY
In Print & On-Line
 
 
for:
 
 
February 3, 2010
 
 
 

WHEN TROUBLE SHOWS, HELP AWAITS YOU!
BY

LINDA MOSE MEADOWS
Pg. 7

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

 

 
 
 
Sharing in Faith,
Linda Mose Meadows, Urban Views Weekly Columnist and Inspirational Author:
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

 
 

 

 

 

CHAPPELLE LETMAN HAS INNER VISION

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

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

              http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

Author, Linda Mose Meadows’

Devotional selected as one of the

BEST OF 2009!

“This is a exciting world.

It is cram-packed with opportunity.

Great moments wait around every corner.”
Richard David De Vos

Ms. Linda Pate, Urban Views Weekly Columnist-noted Book Reviewer, and Owner of Precious Memories Book Store has selected 2 books for the BEST of 2009. Yes, friends you guessed it!
I am pleased to share that The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises is one of Ms. Pate’s fine literary picks for the BEST of 2009!  This is a tremendous blessing and truly an honor! Thank you, thank you. Be sure to read the review in the Urban Views Weekly, January 27th, 2010 edition! The Article is entitled: Best of 2009. If you’d like to acquire this uplifting book, I’ve conveniently listed on my blog several wonderful websites where you can purchase The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises by Linda Mose Meadows. Also, visit your local book stores they are there also. Don’t see it on the self? The Customer Service desk will happily order it for you.
Well, let me just say, “EXTRA, EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT!” Yep, it’s evident that I am enjoying this moment. (LOL!) Have a wonder evening!

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/

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

 

 

Dr. Saundra Cherry has continued building a historic legacy!
The mission of the James A. Fields House, Inc. is to promote the historical, educational, and cultural legacy of Americans of African heritage in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia; to support tourism In Virginia; and to restore and preserve the landmark of the first black hospital in the city of Newport News, Virginia (Whittaker Memorial Hospital) through educational programs and historical tours within the Hampton Roads area.

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
 

Dr. Saundra Cherry has gracefully embraced her late husband’s, Elder Greg Cherry’s passion and dedication of preserving the noble legacy of James Apostle Fields an ex-slave, educator, graduate of Hampton Normal & Agricultural Institute, legislator, attorney, and home owner where the first African American Hospital in Newport, News existed).

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!

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/

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

IMPACT YOUR WORLD! EMBRACING RELIEF EFFORTS FOR HAITI

Posted by: blessedauthorlm on: January 18, 2010

Haitian orphans rushed to new homes abroad

Photos from CNN.com

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 

(New International Version – UK)

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

    17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

    18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

 

Reference  CNN’s Impact Your World:   

http://edition.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2007/impact/  

 has created an invaluable list of resources, efforts and measures we may choose from to lend our active support 

towards the relief efforts in Haiti.

Thanks CNN for sounding the alarm for HELP!

 

For over a week now we’ve witnessed via the news media  the horrific images of the crippled, injured and the deceased who were no match for the concrete structures that shook under the pressure of the earthquake in Haiti!  It’s unbelievable -the images and new reality realized.  So many are still barricaded in their homes, schools, orphanages and businesses.  But the fact remains that for many Haitians and their loved ones living abroad,  their world is literally shaken, turned upside down!  The whereabouts of many are unknown. 

 Our nation, the world and Haitians are in shock!  It’s very sad that so many are hungry, homeless and destitute. But humanitarian efforts are making  a night and day difference. We too, are encouraged to do our part in supporting such noble efforts. 

Taking the lead are new global, political  and humanitarian partnerships being forged from school aged children,  NBA  teams to the Episcopal Relief and Development Fund.  These  determined alliances have taken an  allegiance to actively assist and go where the need exists.

 

While hotel owner grieves, family rejoices
Photos from CNN.com

We turn on  our  televisions and computers, watch CNN and learn of the heroic acts of rescue workers and and  Haitians assisting their neighbors, strangers-lifting and chiseling through massive concrete barriers from sun up to sun down. Thank God for these relentless individuals that just aren’t walking away in frustration! You’ll  see folks frantically urging  the camera man, the reporers,  the onlookers, the military, anyone that  happens by to quickly come help!  The sentiment echoed is to help another struggling soul and don’t delay!

If  you are like me, you too want to assist. We desire to do something useful.  CNN has  helped in providing an indepth internet site with resources you may wish to consider for supporting the relief humaniatarian efforts. Let’s model the efforts of the ” Good Samaritans” I referenced earlier who actively desire to help. 

Let’s not dare rest until we’ve helped another living soul secure  food, medical supplies, shelter and immediate care.  I feel  the pull and tug in my spirit. Yes indeed, we are challeneged to  ease the burden of  others-that’s our call , that’s our mission!

 Friends, this is urgent!

Believing We Can  Make A Difference:

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/

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

LET US NOT LOVE IN WORD OR IN TONGUE,

BUT IN DEED AND IN TRUTH.
1 JOHN 3:18
DR. KING WAS AN AMAZING HUMAN BEING, HE WAS WITTY, COMPASSIONATE,
AN ORATOR LIKE NO OTHER, A TRAILBLAZER, ANOINTED, INSPIRED, UNAFRAID, CALLED, CHOSEN, A MOVER & A SHAKER, OUR BELOVED, AN AMBASSADOR, A BIBLICAL SCHOLAR, PASTOR, LOVING FATHER, HUSBAND, A PEACEMAKER AND A FRIEND OF GOD -
WHO WILL FOREVER BE REMEMBERED!
 
“WE LOVE YOU DR. KING!”
Date of birth:
January 15, 1929 
Place of birth:
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Date of death:
April 4, 1968 (aged 39)
Place of death:
Memphis, Tennessee, United States
Movement:
African-American Civil Rights Movement and Peace movement
Major organizations:
Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)
Notable prizes:
Nobel Peace Prize (1964)Presidential Medal of Freedom (1977, posthumous) Congressional Gold Medal (2004, posthumous)
Major monuments:
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial (planned)
Alma mater:
Morehouse CollegeCrozer Theological SeminaryBoston University
Religion:
Baptist
Influences
Jesus Christ, Abraham Lincoln, Theodor Herzl, Mahatma Gandhi, Benjamin Mays, Rosa Parks, Bayard Rustin, Henry David Thoreau, Howard Thurman, Leo Tolstoy
Influenced
Albert Lutuli, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton
Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” Speech
Stevie Wonder singing Happy Birthday to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
With Great Admiration,
Linda Mose Meadows, author
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life’s and God’s Promises

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com

WOULD I KNOW HIM IF I SAW HIM?

Posted by: blessedauthorlm on: January 15, 2010


Word4Word Poets
@ Aroma’s Cafe
Newport News,VA.
“My sheep har My voice ad I know them, and they follow Me.”
John 10:27
 

 

 
 Yes,this was truy a Kodak Moment! My camera wasn’t in arms reach,when I returned ready to snap pictures, my cardinal had flown away. But what was truly surprising happended moments later when. I opened my dining room curtains and there on a Holly Tree branch was a Blue Jay perched and peering back at me. The bird knew I wanted to snap his picture and proceeded to give me an acrobatic arial show. No sucess with snapping his antics but I recognized this as a splendid moment. Then the Holy Spirit impressed upon my heart that when we see the divine, see God’s imprint, His outstretched hand in our simplistic lives, if we’re rushing we forfeit the opportunity to celebrate the Divine-celebrate God with us! Do we know Him? Do we understand that He’s been in our presence? Can we recogize Him in the ordinary? I surely hope so, because witnessing Him is a gift from heaven!
 
 Would I know Him If I Saw Him?
by
Linda Mose Meadows (01/2010)

 
 
 
 
IT’S A NEW DAY FRIENDS!
Linda Mose Meadows,
Inspirational Urban Views Weekly Columnist and Author of :
 
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises
http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

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!

My poem:Would I know Him If I Saw Him was shared at the Word4Word Open Mic this past Tuesday evening at Aromas Cafe in Newport News. I was inspired to write and share days before this event. Was it ever good theraphy-sitting amongst kindred spirits loving poetry, writing their stories, unashamedly sharing their voices and experiences! There’s power in these prose! No negativity, just acceptance and partaking in an honestly exhilerating evening! What a great way to conclude a workday.

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.

DECLARE VICTORY FOR 2010

Posted by: blessedauthorlm on: January 7, 2010

“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure.
There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.”
 
Jawaharlal Nehru (1889-1964), Former Prime Minister of India
URBAN VIEWS WEEKLY
In Print & On-Line
Friends, Kindly Visit My Inspirational Column in Urban Views Weekly
for:

January 6, 2010

 

DECLARE VICTORY FOR 2010

BY

LINDA MOSE MEADOWS
Pg. 3

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

 Sharing in Faith,
Linda Mose Meadows, Urban Views Weekly Columnist and 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/

A NEW YEAR’S MESSAGE: AN AMAZING JOURNEY ~ A PRAYER FOR GOD’S WILL

Posted by: blessedauthorlm on: January 2, 2010

 ”Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”

Deuteronomy 4:9
 

 

 Happy New Year friends! It’s 2010 and we’ve conquered another decade! Our hair may be wind blown, possibly gray around the edges, clothes scorched and singed from the fires of life, but we’ve made it! It’s a new start, goodbye 2009! Here’s a message I wrote a while ago and I sincerely believe it’s still relevant. Let’s revisit this reminder to stay determined! As they say, “Keep it moving!” Keep moving in the direction of your heart’s desire and trust that God is your faithful anchor! Move on, your life’s journey awaits you!

Where will your life’s journey take you? What is burning in your soul to accomplish? What are you believing God for? You may ask yourself quietly, “Can God really take me there or am I fooling myself?” Well it’s up to you to trust Him or not! I strongly believe that your second guessing is delaying the answer to your heart’s desire, your prayers.

As you map out your steps, your route, your destiny I encourage you to ask yourself some important questions. You need not have all the answers just the vigor to step out in faith. Or will you give up and let others stand in your way? Just possibly-maybe in your heart of hearts that inner voice will convince you that what you are hoping for is impossible? Find Holy scripture that speaks to your reservations. I am convinced that those negative conversations, and negative voices are not the divine that dwells within us. I implore you,don’t let the enemy rob you of your divine calling and an awesome life’s lesson that waits you. Your journey will show the world that God has equipped you to survive. God desires to inspire all of us, but especially you!

I pray you persevere, hold on and simply believe that what awaits you at your journey’s end or at the fork in the road was meant for your good. But you’ve got to make a move in the direction in which you’ve been ushered to go. You’ve got the power-it’s your call!

Take a look at this amazing journey of a young man named Kingsley who’s in search for an improved life. Kingsley’s journey from the Cameron to Europe gives new meaning to the word “determination”! I thank God for this photo journal that allows us to witness this young man’s struggle, but more importantly what it means not to be detered!

Take heart, continue in prayer and push on my friends! God doesn’t fail, let His love and His promises keep encouraging you in your quest to move forward. So many have overcome and you can too!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19227137/?story=king1

 

A Prayer for God’s will from St. Augustine of Hippo:
 
God of our life, there are days when the burdens we carry chafe our shoulders and weigh us down; when the road seems dreary and endless, the skies grey and threatening; when our lives have no music in them; and our hearts are lonley, and our souls have lost their courage. Flood the path with light, we beseech the; turn our eyes to where the skies are full of promise; tune our hearts to brave music; give us the sense of comradeship with heroes and saints of every age; and so quicken our spirits that we may be able to encourage the souls of all who journey with us on the road of life; to thy honor and glory.


Joyfully Submitted by:
Linda Mose Meadows, Inspirational Columnist & Author :
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/


http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/ 

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