Precious Moment at Panera

A couple weeks prior to Dec. 25, my friends Margie, Faith and I went for lunch at a nearby Panera Bread restaurant after church service. As we ate our soup and sandwiches, we discussed the wonderful ways God is using us to increase God’s kingdom by sharing the gospel. Faith gave a CD of one of our pastor’s sermons to her hair dresser and Margie gave tracts to her TV repairman. I mentioned my encounter with my dentist and his nursing staff when I told them that God has worked miracles in my life and that I desired to write a book one day about all the wonderful lessons that Jesus has shown me in the last several years.

After about an hour, Margie and I said good-bye to Faith and stayed a few minutes longer to chat. At about that time a group of 4 small children secured seats at the end of the long table where we were.  With me I had one of the origami swans that I made to hand out during the holidays this year. I slid it over to the little blond-haired boy. While he was studying it, I told him and the others that it was a swan. The boy realized that it had words written on its side and that was the start of a magical moment!

In a very loud voice, he read the printed words – “Merry Christmas! Jesus loves you! John 3:16 - 17, the Holy Bible.” Then the little girl across from him chimed in and started reciting John 3:16 out loud. This moment became more and more exciting as the kids jumped up from their seats to go share their gift with the adults that were buying their food at the register. As I walked over to get a cup of water, I passed by the group and the boy child was reading the words on the swan to all that were near him. “Merry Christmas – Jesus Loves you! John 3:16…”

The children were thrilled to have this circumstance arise and Margie and I were so pleased to see how our Lord and Savior used His children to share the good news of Christ! As Margie and I were walking out the door, the kids and their parents had now gotten settled at the table we just left and the boy was once again reading what he had in front of him. He must have just learned to read and I hope understood how important those words were that he was sharing!

God’s wonderfulness cannot be contained and Christ’s name was certainly glorified that afternoon.

The Bible says in Romans 14:11

It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’”

Here are the verses of John 3:16-17 - New International Version (NIV)

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Amen! Wishing you a wonderful end of 2013!
I pray that you are looking forward to a fabulous 2014!

Jesus loves you! <>< Laura

http://latestlinesfromlaura.blogspot.com

Legacy of Love

As the New Year approaches, one might be inclined to consider better eating and exercise habits and perhaps choose a few of those items that still remain on their never-ending to-do list to execute.

May I ask you to ponder how will you leave your positive mark on the world too? A little act of kindness goes a long way. It shows compassion to others and ultimately reflects your heart which I hope is full of God’s love!

If you died tomorrow, would others say you left the world a better place in some small way?

Here are a few ideas – opening the door for another, smiling and saying hello as you pass by a stranger, or helping someone with a project.

I am sure there are thousands of ways to show that Love is alive during this holiday season.

Here are lyrics to another one of my favorite tunes called Thank You by Ray Boltz. It offers legacy  suggestions too.

I dreamed I went to heaven
And you were there with me;
We walked upon the streets of gold
Beside the crystal sea.
We heard the angels singing
Then someone called your name.
We turned and saw a young man running
And he was smiling as he came.

And he said, "Friend you may not know me now."
And then he said, "But wait,
You used to teach my Sunday School
When I was only eight.
And every week you would say a prayer
Before the class would start.
And one day when you said that prayer,
I asked Jesus in my heart."

Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am so glad you gave.

Then another man stood before you
And said, "Remember the time
A missionary came to your church
And his pictures made you cry.
You didn't have much money,
But you gave it anyway.
Jesus took the gift you gave
And that's why I'm here today."

Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am so glad you gave.

One by one they came
Far as the eye could see.
Each life somehow touched
By your generosity.
Little things that you had done,
Sacrifices made,
Unnoticed on the earth
In heaven, now proclaimed.

And I know up in heaven
You're not supposed to cry
But I am almost sure
There were tears in your eyes.
As Jesus took your hand
And you stood before the Lord.
He said, "My child, look around you.
Great is your reward."

Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am so glad you gave.

Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am so glad you gave.

Just some mental food for thought as you munch on gingerbread and candy canes this month!

Merry Christmas!

<>< Laura

http://latestlinesfromlaura.blogspot.com

The Holidays are Coming!

This time of year is filled with joy and anticipation. Good company and yummy food in a festive environment will be on the minds and agenda of many families and friends.

Sometimes though, people are sad, despite all the opportunities for camaraderie. It could be that they wish they had a friend or a living relative with whom to spend the time. Others wish they had a significant other.

For those finding themselves alone or lonely this year, I encourage you to do something to change your circumstances!

Here are some suggestions:

1)      Pray! Ask God where He wants you to spend your time. He has a plan for every single one of us and certainly knows where you should be every moment of each day. J

2)      Brainstorm! While you are waiting patiently for God’s reply, think about ways you could help others during the holiday season. Is there a neighbor who needs a ride to the grocery store? Is there a friend who is going through a challenging time and needs a listening ear? Is there an organization nearby that needs volunteers to assist the homeless or elderly?

3)      Exercise! Go ice skating. Walk around a museum.  Peruse the stores for inexpensive surprise gifts for others J.

4)      Meet others who have similar interests! The web site  http://www.meetup.com/ allows viewers to enter their zip code and search for topics of interest. You are able to join a group or start a group. So if you enjoy certain books, outdoor activities or craft projects, there might be a group meeting soon. Join one and make some new friends!  

5)      Plan a trip! Perhaps choose an item from this web site: http://1000places.com/ . There are corresponding books that are featured, and I imagine there would be at least one place you might consider visiting if so inspired.

6)      Praise God! Celebrate Him daily. God came to earth as Jesus Christ, died on a cross and rose 3 days later from the dead to prove that He is Lord over all, including you! His wish is to have you know Him. Seek God with all your heart and mind and He will reveal the wonders that make Him who he is. He loves you that much!  Here is a video with lyrics sung by Chris Tomlin that describes God well:

From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation's revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God

Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to it's light
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
You are amazing God

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
Incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same
You are amazing God
You are amazing God

Here is the artist's web site: http://www.christomlin.com/music

 

Merry Christmas!

Laura

http://latestlinesfromlaura.blogspot.com

Love Quotes from Baci

I admit it! I enjoy chocolate more than I should. I try to only have 2 small pieces each day, usually in the morning.

Trader Joe’s grocery store has the best price on organic chocolate bars in the area. Mahalo bars and Green and Black’s Organic bars are also good choices, when on sale, from Whole Foods grocery.

In years past I used to enjoy Baci chocolates. What makes their packaging unique is that they include a positive quote, often about love, in each chocolate’s wrapper. It is written not only in English, but also in other languages, such as Italian, Greek, and Spanish. 

Here are a few quotes that I thought you might enjoy.

• Be lovable if you want to be loved. – Ovidio

• A loving heart is forever young. – Proverbio Greco

• Love dictates, but a kiss writes the secrets of the heart. – Anonimo

• Love, love, all the rest is nothing. – La Fontaine

• Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind… - William Shakespeare

Have a fantastic day filled with peace and joy!

<>< Laura

http://latestlinesfromlaura.blogspot.com/

Photo above is of one of my recent paintings. Original design by Laura Moody, copyright 2013.

Do you hear God? He has a Plan for your Life!

Did you know that the Lord of the Universe longs to communicate with you daily? How Jesus makes Himself known is a wonderful mystery.

Many times, I have heard Him speak in my ear and as well He has shown me signs of reassurance and love by presenting me with pleasing sights (signs) so that I know He has heard my requests and concerns.

The Lord’s love is great! He loves people more than anything!

Have you asked him to work in your life? Have you asked Him to make Himself known to you?

He will if you tell him you love Him and want to know more about Him.

Seek God’s direction at all times. He will reach out to you and lead, telling you what to do daily thus making a difference in your life and other’s lives in order to glorify His existence. He created you to have relationship with Him and wants so much to be a part of your life! He deserves every person’s praise and we should revere His existence as thanksgiving for His Love for all His acts of kindness, mercy and grace.

Be sure to read the Word of God that is presented in the Holy Bible! He has made sure that His commands for us are written there and remain in the world for all to read.

Here are a several verses that pertain to today’s post:

 

It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. - Deuteronomy 13:4 - New International Version (NIV)

⁵ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. - Deuteronomy 6:5 - New International Version (NIV)

³⁷ Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’^{[a] 38} This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’^{[b] 40} All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” - Matthew 22:37-40 - New International Version (NIV)

Loving others means telling them about Jesus!

Jesus’ command to His Disciples:

¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” - Matthew 28:18-20 - New International Version (NIV)

Disciples should be all Christian believers who accept Christ as their Lord and Savior.

My church is participating in the Multiply Movement which is helping Christians become effective disciples.

Here is link to the movement - http://www.multiplymovement.com/#about

Wishing you a marvelous day, full of the Lord’s love, guidance and peace!

<>< Laura

http://latestlinesfromlaura.blogspot.com

 

Start Late Finish Rich!

As part of the generation that grew up with paper (versus pixels) I am definitely still a paper keeper.

I keep notes about ideas I have and often clip articles from brochures or magazines that made me think of something positive or inspired me to take a positive action in my life.

Here is one such example and I don’t know what newsletter it came from, but they are good words, all the same.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus”. (Philippians 4:19)

Perhaps some of the happiest and wealthiest people…are creditors as millions of shoppers overextend their budgets through credit card purchases.

We live beyond our income when we buy on credit as we purchase what we want now with tomorrow's income. However, as certain situation arise and credit card use is required, it is not necessarily unwise if one pays their credit bill in full and accrues no interest charges.  
 
Even so, credit won’t be necessary if God is honored with our finances and we trust Him to meet our needs. Further, as we seek to be content in the Lord there will be little use for credit (Phil. 4:11-19). Let’s pray for one another that God would be honored as we seek to be His wise financial stewards.

Recently I picked up a copy of this book "Start Late, Finish Rich" by David Bach, from my local library. What a fantastic read!

For those of you who have found yourselves in debt, there is hope!

I encourage you to ask God for assistance and also to locate a copy of the text, reading it from cover to cover. Amazon as well as Barnes and Noble offer it for sale. J
http://www.finishrich.com/books/startlate_brandhome.php

Peace and Joy <>< Laura

http://latestlinesfromlaura.blogspot.com

God's Plan For Each Christian - PERFECT LOVE! :)

I posted this video of the beautiful Stephanotis Florabunda plant

as I now have one in my possession.

 

It works well with this particular blog post because years ago,

my friend "Steve", gave me the words that I typed below on a single piece of paper.

 

I read this page more than once while awaiting what it promised.

I tell you that it is true!

Enjoy!

God says to his children:
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not to thine own understanding.
 In all your ways acknowledge Me and I shall direct thy path." Proverbs 3:5-6

Everyone longs to give himself completely to someone, to have a deep soul relationship with another -- to be loved thoroughly and exclusively.

But God says to a Christian: "Not until you are satisfied, fulfilled and content with being loved by Me alone - with giving yourself totally and unreservedly to Me: with having an intensely personal and unique relationship with Me alone, discovering that only in Me is your happiness and satisfaction to be found - will you be capable of the perfect human relationship that I have planned for you.

You will never be "fully content or successfully united with another" until you have built a relationship and are united with Me "exclusively" of anyone or anything else, "exclusively" of any other desires or longings. I want you to stop planning, stop wishing, and allow Me to give you the most thrilling plan existing - one that you cannot imagine.

I want you to have the best. Please allow Me to bring it to you. You just keep watching Me, expecting the greatest things. Keep experiencing the satisfaction that I am. Keep listening and learning the things that I tell you. You just wait, that's all. Don't be anxious. Don't worry. Don't look around at the things others have got or that I've given them. Don't look around at the things that you want. You keep looking at Me, or you will miss what I want to show you.

And then, when you are ready, I'll surprise you with a love far more wonderful that any of you could ever dream. You see, until you are ready, and until the one I have for you is ready - (I am working even at this moment to have both of you ready at the same time) - until you are both satisfied exclusively with Me, and the life I have prepared for each of you, you won't be able to experience together the love that exemplifies your relationship with Me, and this is perfect love.

Dear child, I want you to have this most wonderful love. I want you to see in the flesh a picture of your relationship with Me, and to enjoy materially and concretely the everlasting union of beauty, perfection, and love that I offer you. What I offer you is Myself. Know that I love you utterly. I am God. "Believe and be satisfied."

<><

http://latestlinesfromlaura.blogspot.com

Freedom in Christ

I love this web site http://www.thefuntheory.com/. The idea of improving others’ negative behaviors by changing them into positive behaviors is sooooo appealing! Way to go Volkswagen. J

Vrmmm, vrmmm…

Freedom in Christ is similar in that if we are in God’s will and actively seeking the Lord’s input in our lives then we will have a future filled with making a positive impact on people and the environment for the better. How cool is that?!

Have a beautiful day! <>< Peace – Laura

http://latestlinesfromlaura.blogspot.com

Photograph by Laura taken of a to go box from a restaurant visited last year… God letting me know how I should perceive and live my life! Drawing created by the waitress who packed up the food. J She was a follower of Christ too.

Eaglet

 

So I took the plunge and have started my new business called Dandelion Marketing!

I am combining my love of writing and photography into a marketing venture. I will be blogging for other organizations – spreading the news about their products and giving them presence on the Internet. Check out the site when you have a minute or two. http://marketmybizdande.blogspot.com

As a follower of Christ I am expected to trust our Lord at every turn, no matter where the path leads. The journey is certainly one of growth! Learning to understand our Saviour, myself and others is constant. My next chapter is no less exciting that the previous, but I believe my smiles will be that much more numerous!

I saw a license plate this week that featured the letters that spelled the word Eaglet and that reminded me of this verse from the Holy Bible:

Isaiah 40:31

New International Version (NIV)

³¹ but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

Cross reference

Isaiah 40:31 : 2Co 4:1; Heb 12:1-3

p.s. Thanks Mom and Dad for the wonderful Hallmark card that is featured in this blog entry! It was a perfect fit for the story that continues to unfold!  http://www.hallmark.com/

 

xxoo Laura

 

http://latestlinesfromlaura.blogspot.com

September is here!

So those crazy cats at Success magazine have decided that September is Self-Improvement month. Well, sure. Why not?! J

They have even offered up an interactive calendar @ Success.com/Self-Improvement-Calendar for those who want to join in the fun. Or just click this link - http://go.success.com/digital-downloads/SM1309_Calendar.pdf

Plus – Posi+ive Thinking day is Sept. 13. They recommend these classical texts to add to your reading list.

• As a Man Thinketh by James Allen, 1902
• Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, 1937
• Success through a Positive Mental Attitude by Napoleon Hill and W. Clement Stone, 1960
• How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, 1936
• The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale, 1952
• Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl, 1959
• Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life by Martin E.P. Seligman, 2006

What I think is super cool is that many of these titles my Aunt has on her bookshelf. Way to go Aunt Dink!

Go forth and live life to its full! Love, Laura

http://latestlinesfromlaura.blogspot.com
http://marketmybizdande.blogspot.com

Photo of green fern by Laura Moody, copyright 2013.

Every Need Provided

God rocks! Do you truly know that the Ruler of all things has your best interests at heart? He has your every need taken care of, knows your requests even before you make them. Why on earth wouldn’t anyone want to know Him?

Today’s example: I enjoy visiting my local public library for several reasons. 1. Great architecture – high ceiling with floor to ceiling windows which allow for wonderful light to enter the space. 2. Free internet access. 3. They have a used book section where they offer items for sale at prices under $3 per item.

The problem is that other humans enjoy this space too! Don’t get me wrong. I like people. As a Christian, I am also expected to love them. It is just that I often have trouble concentrating with all the extra noise in this public space. God’s gift to me today? Allowing me to discover this web site - http://www.jazzradio.com/ which offers listeners a plethora of options in order to enjoy this genre. I wear my head phones, write to my readers, enjoy lovely tunes and am not  so distracted by the flurry of other activities feet away. Hallelujah!

<>< Wishing you peace and joy this day! Laura

http://www.lamocreations.com
http://latestlinesfromlaura.blogspot.com

Photo of Sunflower with Bee taken in Virginia by Laura Moody.

Be in Health

Having experienced health issues in the last decade, I am so thankful and blessed that the Lord of the Universe chose to use me and my circumstances as a witness to others! I have been able to share my testimony and encourage friends, family and co-workers to be concerned with making positive choices in their eating and exercise habits.

Your body is a gift, a holding place for the Spirit of the Lord once you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior. Out of respect and adoration and thankfulness to Him, we should do our best to be aware of how we treat our bodies. They appreciate regularity! So forming good habits is necessary as we walk this earth.

My chiropractor told me about the Be in Health conference that he and his wife attended. It made a huge difference in their marriage dynamics and they gained much knowledge to apply upon their return.

I have yet to read the book in the image above, but I look forward to it. Here is a web site link to the Be in Health organization - http://www.beinhealth.com/public/programs/whatweoffer

Here are excerpts from the Holy Bible, New International Translation, that mentions the body as a temple.

John 2:13-25
Jesus Clears the Temple Courts

¹³ When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. ¹⁴ In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. ¹⁵ So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. ¹⁶ To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” ¹⁷ His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”

¹⁸ The Jews then responded to him, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?”

¹⁹ Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”

²⁰ They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” ²¹ But the temple he had spoken of was his body. ²² After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.

²³ Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. ²⁴ But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. ²⁵ He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.

~ * ~

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁹ Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; ²⁰ you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

~ * ~

Seek the Lord and He will Answer! <>< Laura

http://www.lamocreations.com
http://latestlinesfromlaura.blogspot.com

Medleys by Pete Strayer

Fairfax, VA Sunset. August 2013.
Photo taken by Laura Moody

I am so proud of my talented family! 

Click on this SoundCloud link 

to hear tunes written and 

performed by Pete Strayer. :)

https://soundcloud.com/pete-strayer

May Love Rule in Your Hearts Always! - Laura

<><

http://latestlinesfromlaura.blogspot.com

Voice of Truth - Have you Heard It Lately?

This wonderful tune by Casting Crowns was on the radio recently and as it would be, God's timing for me to hear it was perfect! Big changes happening this year! :)

I wanted to post them here on my blog for others to view. There are also many videos on the You Tube web site that feature the song itself. While watching a couple of them I realized that it was in the movie "Facing the Giants". I commend both the vocalists who sing the song and the folks who made the movie. The message they share is so important for others to know.

Here is a link to the movie site - http://www.facingthegiants.com/

Here is a link to the music group Casting Crowns - http://castingcrowns.com/music/acoustic-sessions-volume-one

CASTING CROWNS LYRICS - "Voice Of Truth"

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves

To step out of my comfort zone
To the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out his hand

But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again. 'Boy, you'll never win!'
"You'll never win"

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
And the voice of truth says "Do not be afraid!"
And the voice of truth says "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of strength it takes to stand before a giant
With just a Sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors
Shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
Time and time again "boy, you'll never win!
"You'll never win"

But the stone was just the right size
To put the giant on the ground
And the waves they don't seem so high
From on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
Singing over me

I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth!

Peace <>< Laura

http://www.lamocreations.com
http://www.latestlinesfromlaura.blogspot.com

Photo above taken by Laura Moody in 2012.
The Lord has been so good to me! Hallelujah!

Are You A Reflection of Christ?

Below is an excerpt from a daily devotional book that my wonderful friend Margie gave me. The text is called Discovery: Experiencing God’s Word Day by Day and written by a man named David Jeremiah, who also has his own web site that features many of his other periodicals and broadcast ministry ventures. http://www.davidjeremiah.org/site/magazine.aspx

The August 23^rd entry on page 256 really spoke to me and now appears here on my blog, because, my readers, I really wanted you to know and consider his good words!

Mirror Angst

He who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer…this one will be blessed in what he does. – James 1:25, from the New King James version of the Holy Bible.

A fashion retailer recently commissioned a study of what women thought of their appearance in the mirror. Researchers found that 90 percent of women in their 40s and 50s are unhappy with the way they look and suffer from “mid-life mirror angst syndrome.” According to the report, middle-aged women are four times unhappier than teenage girls with what they see in the mirror.

Not so fast. For Christians, time enhances our appearance because the joy of the Lord shines through. As we age, Scripture tells us we take on the “incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God” (1 Peter 3:4).

But how much better to gaze into the mirror of God’s Word! James said that the Law is a mirror to show us what we’re like. Without Christ, all we see are the wrinkles of wickedness and ghostly pallor of despair. But with Christ, looking into God’s Word doesn’t bring condemnation or judgment.

Don’t suffer mirror angst. Study His Word today and see the mirror image of Christ.

“The mirror of the Word not only examines us and reveals our sins, but it helps to cleanse us as well.” – Warren W. Wiersbe (Taken from The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: the Complete New Testament (Colorado Springs: David C. Cook, 2007), 859).

As the Christian’s journey unfolds, the person that he or she grows into is one as bright as Light who is meant to show Love to their fellow man and to worship God alone. We were made to love and be loved by the Lord of the Universe. To say “How wonderful” is quite an understatement! Marvelous is more like it!

Peace to you - Laura <><

http://latestlinesfromlaura.blogspot.com
http://www.lamocreations.com

Wise Men Still Seek Him – Jesus the Ultimate Authority

Who is Lord over your life? I pray that it is Jesus, the God of the Universe. I pray that you are asking for his input with each decision you make. He has a wonderful plan for your life each day. Are you willing to find out what it is? When was the last time you prayed silently or vocally and asked Him for help?

Will you trust Him enough to bless you with each moment that He created just for you? God is wonderful like that. Jesus knows exactly how to meet you so you not only know that it is Him communicating with you but that He is the sole Authority and Ruler of every detail of your life.

His interaction with you will be intensely personal so you will have no doubt that His words are meant for you alone to hear. His whisper of guidance and direction may sometimes catch you off guard, but have no doubt that He knows your every thought and what you need long before you approach Him with your concerns.

If you seek His will during your journey He will share it with you. Incredible to consider isn’t it? It is even more wonderful to experience it. Jesus loves you so much!

Is Jesus your God? If yes, then you are surely His child. Make it a point to desire to know him better. He wants so much to show you amazing things as only He could. Praise Him. Love him. Call Him yours. Treasure each encounter as He grows you into the person you were meant to be.

May Peace and Joy be yours in Abundance! <><
 

It's August :)

Alright - so I just realized that the lyrics of the song that I am posting today just happen to be by an artist with the last name August. That's funny. :)

Chris August's song Starry Night has been on my mind for days. Lyrics are below. His web site is - http://www.chrisaugustmusic.com/

"Starry Night"

From the birds that sing
In the tallest trees
To the human life
Of you and me

From the desert sands
To the place we stand
He's God of all
He is everything

I'm giving my life to the only One
Who makes the moon reflect the sun
Every starry night
That was His design

I'm giving my life to the only Son
Who was and is and yet to come
Let the praises ring
'Cause He is everything
'Cause He is everything

From the autumn leaves
That will ride the breeze
To the faith it takes
To pray and see

From the painted sky
To my plank filled eye
He's God of all
He is everything, whoa

I'm giving my life to the only One
Who makes the moon reflect the sun
Every starry night
That was His design

I'm giving my life to the only Son
Who was and is and yet to come
Let the praises ring
'Cause He is everything
Everything

Hallelujah, hallelujah
I believe, oh, oh
Hallelujah, hallelujah
I believe

I'm giving my life to the only One
Who makes the moon reflect the sun
On that starry night
He changed my life

I'm giving it all to the only Son
Who gave me hope when I had none
So let the praises ring

I'm giving my life to the only One
Who makes the moon reflect the sun
Every starry night
It was His design

I'm giving my life to the only Son
Who was and is and yet to come
Every angel sings
That He is heavenly

So let the praises ring
'Cause He is everything

~ * ~
Photo above snapped by Laura Moody.
Summer flowers in bloom are called Rose of Sharon.
The plant is part of the Hibiscus family.
Here are more details - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_of_Sharon
Peace. <><
~ * ~
http://latestlinesfromlaura.blogspot.com
http://www.lamocreations.com

Staying Healthy in a Hectic World and Continuing to Grow!

Life is short. It was meant to be lived. How will you start?

Form good habits and become their slaves! (Og Mandino)

1)      What’s in your frig? What do you consume regularly? Avoid coffee, alcohol and dairy. Keep a journal of what you eat. Stay hydrated year round. Consume water, tea, fruit, soup, vegetables which are all high in water content.

2)      Rate your Overall Health, which includes not just your physical state, but your emotional and spiritual situations too. How do you react to life? Are you enjoying it or are you worn out? Stress and worry cause so much disease in the body. Don’t go there! God is in control. Ask Him how you should be living.

3)      Take steps to make changes! Plan ahead. Manage your life. Be prepared. Step One – Breathe. Step Two – Recognize that all you want to accomplish cannot be done in one day! Delegate. Say no. Set boundaries and know that it is okay to do so! Smile. J

4)      Live Love! Love God, Love your neighbor, Love Yourself enough to take steps to get back on track! Love your family, friends, people you don’t know. Perhaps spend some time volunteering in order to give back to your community.

5)      Schedule Time on your calendar for You! What is your passion? Reading, running, gardening, opera? Make an appointment for yourself and keep it. Consider getting a massage or going to a chiropractic appointment. Take those vacation days regularly. Visit some place locally that is new to you, whether it be a restaurant or park or perhaps it is place that you don’t go often, but always think a visit is a good idea because it makes you happy… the library? J Or perhaps see a movie or play at a local theatre.

6)      Keep Work in Perspective. Most of us have forgotten that by definition, a job is just a job. (job=job) While you may aspire to be the best employee that you can be, remember that the job should only require your attention for 7.5 hours each day, 5 days a week. There are supposed to be at least two 15 minute breaks in the day somewhere, however, we all know how easy it is to get tied up and do without them. Schedule them! Learn to work smarter, set limits and don’t feel bad when you leave the office and did not manage to accomplish the other 100 things on your to do list. By design, there is always too much to do. You are one person, a part of a team, generally dependent on others for various projects and their completion. Coming in fresh and rested each day is just as important as showing up! Getting run down defeats the whole purpose of earning a paycheck to live! So be well and make good choices.

7)      Get rid of cable and say goodbye to consistent noise. Do you really need to have the TV on 24/7? Other options - Spend time with your family, go outside, read a good book, commune with God!

8)      Be creative. We are made in God’s image and God is super creative! Look at all the different types of people he put on the planet! Doodle, paint, sculpt, make jewelry, or decorate furniture!

9)      Move your body! (That’s why you have one. J) Don’t sit at a desk all day… take a walk; park your car at the back of parking lots to get those steps in… dance, run, skip or what about joining an acting troupe or choir?

10)   Figure out your best qualities! What are you good at? Could you use those skills to help others? Are you using your strengths at work? If not, perhaps take steps to pursue employment where you could be executing them. Or, talk to your current boss about how you can re-write your current job description to include them.

11)   Respect Yourself! Sleep is so precious and absolutely required. Also, remember to see your doctor for regular check-ups to make sure that you are aware of anything that might need to be addressed. Be positive! Don’t fall prey to negative thoughts and don’t compare your weaknesses to the strengths of others. You have wonderful attributes too! God created all of us differently so we could help each other.

 

Peace of mind is a necessity. Work in the items above to your life and there is a very good chance you will be a happier, more pleasant and less stressed individual.

 

Carpe diem!

Laura

 

Photo above copyrighted and taken by Laura Moody.

It is of new growth on her dogwood tree that will have white blooms later this Spring.

 

http://latestlinesfromlaura.blogspot.com

http://www.lamocreations.com

 

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