Tuesday, December 31, 2013

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

Friday, December 13, 2013

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

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

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