TIME TO LOOK UP! BUCKLE UP! IT’S 2014!

National Anthem, by Jonathan Gladding 

Ever have the phone ring and the person on the other end was the friend you were fondly thinking of?  This morning that was the case! We laughed, giggled and then concurred that our relocation to Connecticut was indeed a good thing. It was apparent that God had once again orchestrated it all. All being inclusive of our move from Florida, the East Coast ministry trek, the new friendships (never negating the cord connecting us to our tried and true friends), the laudable community partnerships, our abounding appreciation and enthusiasm for love, life and what seems like some fatal challenges. Literally it felt like doors were slammed in our face when I thought we’d instead be embraced. Too many days it felt like a bad dream. Good decisions seemed to have gone awry. Prayer has keeping power friends. When yours seem limp, other’s who know the virtue and power of prayer can certainly cover you!

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20

I am grateful for how God allowed us to exert energy in preparation for our next level. It was as though we were spiritually matriculating. My heart must have been yelling, “New level, new level! So glad it’s our turn Lord!” Oh it’s no denying that we better not take credit for a step up or a door open. We are not that clever in raining down blessings! None of our life's story could have been self imposed-crafted with our intellect or maneuvers.

We were approaching the 2013 Christmas season-Richard and I were traveling (several weeks ago) on the freeway. I was joyously anticipating visiting my Mama and Grandmother in Atlanta (really overdue for a visit). I knew I could not be there for Christmas but wanted to begin creating a festive atmosphere in their home. And then there was a hiccup, a startling interruption. The visible highway markers and signs indicated thatHartford’s Bradley Airport was just down the road, possibly 20 minutes away and I’d be boarding the plane momentarily.  And boom, a car wreck-a wreck that was startling! It caused us to fear, shutter, scream, and wonder if this was our end, dying on the interstate. The result totaled our minivan and the offender’s compact car.  The small Volkswagen merging in the lane we traveled was all wrong! I don’t know what the driver’s problem was but it was terrible timing! And then it all became surreal, a seemingly slow motion video. The cars colliding, the metal crumpling, the axles braking, the front end torn up, the shock, the disbelief and there we were in the midst! But, Great God the three coiled guard rails sustained the impact of our van! It seems we bounced against the sturdy coils and Richard’s hands held tight to the steering wheel. And the saving grace was the coils appeared to nestle the Volkswagen from diving into the ditch or back into the oncoming traffic. Oh it could have been fatal with the loss of life or injuries, but here we are on this side of a new year, January 2014 alive-well! No broken bones, no fatalities!

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 NIV

Yes, mayhem occurred and we survived it all! God kept us! What a miracle.

Often our lives reflect that we've been banged up, crippled even. Folks think you’re in a daze still suffering from shock. Oh, but our gracious Lord and Savior allows us to survive an atrocity, a humiliation, a setback causing us to feel as though we’re abandoned, standing on the side of the road. Be confident that divine  help is on the way, even if it’s unsuspecting.

Next time you’re on life’s highway think of the coiled guard rails, the helping hands, sound advice, friendly stranger, the answer to prayer as a safety net! Think of it as a safety net representing the Father, Son and Holy Ghost-protecting us, cushioning the blow during startling incidences. Notice I did not say ACCIDENT? Our Heavenly Father causes no accidents, but saves us on countless occasions. I know you recall His rescuing mission, you! Take a moment and just reflect on your 2013 journey, incredible right? We are now very familiar, well acquainted with the realization that God’s mighty outstretched arm protects us!  Thankfully He beautifully ushers us from one season into the next. The year 2013 brought about new developments, uncertainties, new transitions, new relationships, but definitely a firsthand account of His love! Can I get a witness?

Breathe, look up and live. Buckle up friends it’s time for thanksgiving adoration and without a doubt it's time to embrace a faith filled 2014! Happy New Year!

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,¹⁸ may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,” Ephesians 3:16-18 (NIV)

Transformed by the Love of God, Linda Mose Meadows; Blogger, Motivational Speaker and Inspirational Author of: Destined To Receive: Reflections and Devotionals Celebrating The Love of God (Createspace, 2013) and Blessedness of Believing  A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises (Tate Publishing, 2007) 

 http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

 http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

 http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/

CELEBRATING AN EXTRAORDINARY DOUBLE DUTCH EVENT!

Shared in Love, Linda Mose Meadows; Blogger, Motivational Speaker and Inspirational Author of: Destined To Receive: Reflections and Devotionals Celebrating The Love of God (Createspace, 2013) and Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises (Tate Publishing, 2007) http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/ http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/ http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/

AN ABSOLUTELY PERFECT DAY!

Great game of  Jacks! 
This was an extraordinary inter-generational event!

The fun is just starting! Amazing day of fun. fitness and literacy!

For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
Psalm 95:3

I am still humming the melody, "Lovely Day!" Imagine a day filled with fun, fitness and literacy. Well that's just what our Double Dutch Fun Day and Outdoor Games was! It was sandwiched with those essential elements and it evolved into a marvelous day of  sheer fun. St. Luke's Episcopal Church and The New Haven Free Public Library-Stetson Branch hosted a terrific multi-generational event in the historic Dixwell Community on September 28, 2013. This was indeed a super Saturday! Enjoy this ISUU celebrating our many community supporters and participants. I praise God for providing me with the vision, the backers and most especially bringing the Double Dutch Fun Day and Outdoor Games to fruition!

Oh it was indeed a party! How we love St. Luke's Band!




Shared in Love, Linda Mose Meadows; Blogger, Motivational Speaker and Inspirational Author of: Destined To Receive: Reflections and Devotionals Celebrating The Love of God (Createspace, 2013) and Blessedness of Believing  A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises (Tate Publishing, 2007) 

 http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

 http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

 http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/   

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR KING – PAYING TRIBUTE TO DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING , JR.

Stone of Hope, Memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
@
National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  

Frequently people think compassion and love are merely sentimental. No! They are very demanding. If you are going to be compassionate, be prepared for action.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Prize Winner (born 1931)

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 (age 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 

Alma Mater:

Morehouse College

Crozer Theological Seminary

Boston 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

reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King,_Jr.

Dr. King’s  Historic ”I Have A Dream” Speech

Stevie Wonder singing “Happy Birthday” to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Written With Great Admiration by
Linda Mose Meadows, Motivational Speaker & Inspirational Author of:                                                                                            The Blessedness of Believing 

A Devotional Journey of Life’s and God’s Promises                       http://www.blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/ http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/  

http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/

GIFT 4 YOU, HAPPY NEW YEAR! IT'S 2013!

Beautiful art by Charles Bibbs-Gift 4

acquire it at: http://theworldart.com/wp-content/uploads/1000x1000_The_Gift_4_handpainted.jpg

It's a new season of promise and possibility! I pray you'll soar in 2013! May God continue to bless you abundantly as He lifts and encourages you and yours!

 God's Word of Life on Health and Healing

Psalm 103:2-3

New International Version (NIV)

Praise the Lord, my soul,

    and forget not all his benefits—

    and heals all your diseases, who forgives all of your sins

Jeremiah 30:17

New International Version (NIV)

But I will restore you to health

    and heal your wounds,’

declares the Lord,

‘because you are called an outcast,

    Zion for whom no one cares.’

James 5:14-15

New International Version (NIV)

 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.

Jeremiah 17:14

New International Version (NIV) 

Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed;

    save me and I will be saved,

    for you are the one I praise.

Psalm 30:1-2

New International Version (NIV)

I will exalt you, Lord,

    for you lifted me out of the depths

    and did not let my enemies gloat over me.

 

Lord my God, I called to you for help,

    and you healed me

Enjoy, Kirk Whalum The Gospel According To Jazz III

God Riches Blessings to You, Linda Mose Meadows, Inspirational Author of:
The Blessedness of Believing, A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lesson’s and God’s Promises

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

http://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

http://eyesoffaithmagazine.blogspot.com/

Spring 2012

Coming Soon

Eyes of Faith Magazine Winter 2010-2011

Living with Greater Intention was the title that emanated months ago when I began to think about our second edition of Eyes of Faith Magazine. I knew it was no accident because God was being busy conveying that message! When I read scripture, listened to NPR, spoke to students, glanced at highway billboards, stopped and listened closely to lyrics, read St. Augustine’s prayers, discovered an uplifting website, the “intentionality” for living faith filled lives and impacting others for greater good was there.


Prayers of Saint Augustine:
God of life, there are days when the burdens we carry chafe our shoulders and wear us down; when the road seems dreary and endless, the skies gray and threatening; when our lives have no music in them and our hearts are lonely, and our souls have lost their courage. Flood the path with light, we beseech you; turn our eyes to where the skies are full of promise.
(From Prayers of the Saints: An Inspired Collection of Holy Wisdom, ed. Woodeene Koenig-Bricker - San Francisco: Harper Collins, 1996)
http://www.wf-f.org/StAugustine.html


So I realized it was no mistake what God had planted in my spirit! When you think about all of the accomplished folks in your personal circles and in the world, what comes to mind about their character and calling? Is it their dogged persistence, their resolve that no matter what life flings their way it won’t hinder their mission? Is it their demeanor, faith, prayer life, outstanding creativity, insight, amazing, wisdom, wit, fortitude-what exactly is it? In my estimation it may be a combination of those traits! Certainly it’s personal, plain and simple! God has planted something deep down within them and it can’t be fettered. God has fashioned them to move from the fray, battle if they must but not wallow in the ashes of discontent, but to instead rise like a phoenix, hearts singed and surely better for the trial. Thank God for their fortitude and sticktoitiveness. Yes, it’s a blessed gift to live with greater intention.


So my friends without a doubt each of the selections you peruse in this second issue of Eyes of Faith Magazine know that the featured person’s life experience is verdant with promise and they are vigilant about their calls in life. We salute each of them for their wonderful endeavors. Learn of their passions and take heart as you too fix your gaze with eyes of faith. Go on and live life on purpose and with greater passion. We wish you God’s continued blessings now and in the coming year 2011.


Revived & Overjoyed!

Linda Mose Meadows, Urban Views Weekly Columnist and Inspirational Author of: The Blessedness of Believing A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises and Co-publisher of Eyes of Faith Magazine

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