Thursday, March 7, 2013

Research Matters - Gain Wisdom!


If you don’t ask questions, how will you learn and understand and thus go forth becoming a productive member of society? How will you make good choices that will benefit yourself and those around you if you do not gain wisdom?

My mother taught me that you don’t have to know an answer to a question straight away, but you should take steps to research the particulars so that you can come to know the answer.
Incorporating this idea into my world was no problem as I readily enjoyed learning from a young age. I did well at school because I was engaged in what was being communicated. I read the supplemental materials and I asked questions. 

As an adult I unfortunately have met those who believe that people gain knowledge by osmosis and shouldn't ask questions. They don’t understand that people learn by asking; alas all the aforementioned types want you to do is to stop querying them. So I could take this further and suggest that somewhere in their own childhood they were made the fool because they did not know and answer and were ridiculed for it, but who can say? Either way, I digress I suppose, so please forgive me.
What I wish to share is that my knowledge base continues to grow, compounding data over time so that I am able to share pertinent information to assist others.
This week’s discovery is not surprising, but it is surely sad - there are businesses out there that continue to make processed foods using ingredients known to not be healthy for the human population to consume. Given the surge in the organics movement and the plethora of organizations trying to inspire folks to make better food and drink choices, you would think that more food processing companies would be searching for ways to make products that did not make people sick!

All the more reason to strongly to consider not buying food that is packaged in plastic and boxes, instead growing your own fruits and vegetables or at least supporting local organic farms nearby. (FYI – chemical based fertilizers are also harmful to the human body over time).
Undoubtedly the medical industry would not be so affluent if more people recognized that while “fast food” might be okay once in a blue moon, bodies cannot retain their health if nutritious vegetables and fruits are not consumed regularly.
Chemicals, fertilizers, hormones and man-made additives are used often in many “foods” that sit on the shelves of our grocery stores. As consumers your dollar means something. Please take note of what you are buying and consuming. Understand the ingredients that compose what you eat and drink. Your quality of life depends on it!
Check out these two books that share more details on the topic:



Pandora's Lunchbox: How Processed Food Took Over the American Meal

Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us
http://www.amazon.com/Salt-Sugar-Fat-Giants-Hooked/dp/1400069807
In this fallen world, evil lurks. Do not give it a foothold!

An informed inhabitant of planet earth can avoid many of the repercussions of unwise consumption choices. 
Be aware, learn and share your new found knowledge with others!

Galatians 6:9 – “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

1 Corinthians 6:20 – “For you were bought at a price, therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit which are God’s.”

Live well; avoid those things that hamper your mental, physical and spiritual health.
Grace and peace to you!
<><


Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Poem - This I Know



THIS I KNOW:

I have planted a garden –
   SO I KNOW WHAT FAITH IS.

I have seen the tall trees swaying in the breeze –
   SO I KNOW WHAT GRACE IS.

I have listened to the birds singing –
   SO I KNOW WHAT MUSIC IS.

I have watched little children playing –
   SO I KNOW WHAT ENTERTAINMENT IS.

I have seen the mornings without clouds, after showers -
   SO I KNOW WHAT BEAUTY IS.

I have seen the miracle of the sunset –
   SO I KNOW WHAT GRANDEUR IS.

I have lived in a happy home –
   SO I KNOW WHAT LOVE IS.

And because I have perceived all these things –
I KNOW WHAT WEALTH IS.

… Author Unknown

Poem titled “This I Know” appeared in the
Voice for Health periodical, Vol. L, No. 3, May – June 2003
Published in the Interest of Public Health
National Health Education Society, Inc.
Atlanta, GA.

Photo taken by Laura Moody, June 23, 2012.
Butterfly created by God. 

Monday, February 4, 2013

Love Is Simply Wonderful!



Yes, it’s true. I am an optimist! As we gear up for another holiday, I hope that you will find a few minutes to reflect on how you will spend your time. May it include rest, relaxation and visiting with others!
Businesses around the U.S. are hoping many folks buy trinkets and cards, but I would like to suggest that the gifts this Valentine’s Day that may mean the most are those that could be given daily – a smile, a hug, a listening ear, or even a second of acknowledgement. All these are signs of respect and compassion for your fellow man; acts of love that don’t cost a cent!
God created us to love others, whether they are friends, relatives or recent acquaintances. It isn’t a suggestion. It is, in fact, a command by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

John 13:34-35
New International Version (NIV) – The Holy Bible

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword/?search=love+one+another&search_type=phrase

 
Take time to be aware of those around you. Honor God by showing someone that you care!
To learn more about God and how Awesome He is, make sure to read your Bible as well as secure a copy of one of these fine books by A.W. Tozer.

The pages are filled with inspired words of the author’s as well as those of other believers throughout history.
Jesus Loves You!



The Pursuit of God – The Human Thirst for the Divine
http://www.amazon.com/Pursuit-God-Human-Thirst-Divine/dp/B001SB925Y

The Knowledge of the Holy
http://www.christianbook.com/the-knowledge-of-the-holy/a-w-tozer/9780060698652/pd/69865

 
Wishing you a wonderful year of Love!
Laura

<>< 

http://latestlinesfromlaura.blogspot.com


Thursday, December 27, 2012

The Present – A Gift from God



I wish more people knew about God’s love for them! It would make such a huge difference in our existence here on Earth.

If more people knew Jesus, I am sure there would be fewer arguments, fewer accidents, no reason for jails to exist, and no starving people!

This is because people would be willing to listen, willing to yield, willing to love, and willing to give,  and joyfully with each effort!

During the celebration of Christ’s birth, I pray that you might spend time communicating with Him, especially to say Thank you to the One who created everything for our benefit! He loves people that much! Make a great effort to get to know Him as He wants no one to perish. When you take that step, God responds. He will help you daily with your journey!

Below is verbiage from a postcard that I purchased from that same swell Thrift Store in a little town nearby. At one time the card was offered complimentary at the Biblical Seminary in New York City.

SOME SENTENCES FOR TESTING TIMES

   It is by no means enough to set out cheerfully with your God on any venture of faith. Tear into smallest pieces any itinerary for the journey which your imagination may have drawn up.

   Nothing will fall out as you expect.

   Your guide will keep no beaten path. He will lead you by a way such as you never dreamed your eyes would open upon.

   He knows no fear, and He expects you to fear nothing while He is with you.

   The clinging hand of His child makes a desperate situation a delight to Him.

   A true walk with God will do more to awaken awe, wonder and amazement in your soul than would a century of travel through the sights of earth.

   It is your business to learn to be peaceful and safe in God in every situation.

   To take you to His end, by the way you know, would profit you little; He chooses for you a way you know not, that you may be compelled into a thousand intercourses with Himself, which will make the journey forever memorable to Him and to you.

   Difficulty is the very atmosphere of miracle – it is miracle in its first stage. If it is to do a great miracle, the condition is not difficulty but impossibility.

   Whatever His questions or his reticences, we may be absolutely sure of an unperplexed and undismayed Saviour.

Selected from a Christmas Message, which originally appeared in “The Life of Faith,” London.

(Then the postcard says – see other side…)

A KINDLY SUGGESTION

CONSIDER HIM, who put Christmas, Good Friday and Easter in the Calendar.

He is central in Christianity and by Him it should be judged. He is central also in the Bible, and by Him it is to be estimated.

HEAR HIM, when He says: “I am the light of the world. He that followeth Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

“I am the door; by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and go out, and shall find pasture.” Gospel by John 8:12; 10:9.

READ FURTHER ABOUT HIM, and test the great sentence of Dante: “In His will is our peace.”

Wishing you a wonderful adventure and relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ from now and into the New Year and beyond!
Love, Laura <><


Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Blessed Faith



Do you believe in God? Yes? Great!

Do you believe that John 3:16 of the Bible is true? Yes? Fantastic!

(If you are on the fence, I highly recommend the text by Lee Strobel called – The Case for Christ. Its author used the Course of Law to prove that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. http://www.amazon.com/The-Case-Christ-Journalists-Investigation/dp/0310209307
Do you believe that once you are a follower of Christ that the Holy Spirit is deposited in you and will lead you where God wishes you to go for your remaining days? Yes? Awesome!

Then logic dictates that if you believe in all these things, then you are quite sure that God is omnipotent and able to do all things, right?
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”Matthew 19:26

I have had a few conversations lately with friends whom God has allowed me to remind how amazing and loving He is. Hallelujah!

What is striking however is that several of them have not realized that as Christians, they are absolutely, positively in God’s hands. God made them, loves them and has every intention of taking care of their every need and yet there is doubt. Why?
My friends know intellectually that God made the entire universe and knows the exact number of how many hairs are on their head, but in the midst of their daily struggles, they have neglected to tell God their concerns, their desires and have not requested knowing His will for their lives.

I am confident God wants so much to hear from them. Not because he doesn’t already know what is going on, but because He wants confirmation that He is first in their lives.
The First Commandment after all is that there shall be no other gods before Him.

You shall have no other gods before[a] me.  - Exodus 20:3
As Christians we must follow these instructions:

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ - Matthew 22:37
God wants and deserves to be at the forefront of our thoughts. He has so many blessings to share with us and so many wonderful things that He wishes us to learn, know and comprehend but if an individual is not invested fully in a relationship with God, then their life will not be as full as it could be otherwise!

It will probably include more stress than necessary which in turn causes health issues as a person tries to solve their problems in their own strength, generally impossible, especially if God is working on fine tuning their walk and perfecting their faith and trust in Him!

Our humanness (or human sin) so often gets in the way of having a consistent two way communication with God. Here is a list of the most common sins -


As earthly Christians, we will never be perfect but our Lord wants us to work really hard at including Him in every aspect of our life – our job (or lack thereof), our relations with family, friends, spouses and significant others (or lack thereof), our hobbies, our dreams and future plans.

We should be asking Him daily for guidance, for His permission to take certain actions and ask God to reveal His Will to us. We should be alert for opportunities that present themselves and always share the Good News of Christ.

Yes, we will make mistakes, but we have a loving Father in Heaven who is waiting for us to cry out and rescue us when we are in trouble and need help. He is always there. Guaranteed! His ways are not our ways (thankfully!) and as He is perfect and in control.

God has the best plan waiting just for you!
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.[a]

- Proverbs 3:4-6 - New International Version (NIV)

So the question becomes, if you have a saving knowledge of Christ, why wouldn’t you trust the Lord implicitly? He is God – all powerful and all-knowing. Is there anything you could do to rival His abilities?

God wants you to know how much he loves you and to have a positive impact on others for His Glory and all it takes is being his faithful friend, trusting in Him for absolutely everything.

Why not be His friend today?

Wishing you much love, peace and joy! Laura

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Life is a Journey, Not a Destination


 
Heard it before? I know, but it seemed to ring truer this weekend than other times past. As I was finally unwinding and mentally preparing to head back to my corporate job, it occurred to me that I fret way too much. Again, not that this is news, it’s just that my recent past included way too many minutes of checking things off the “to do” list because they had to be done and getting mostly zero enjoyment out of all the effort. Monday through Friday I am paid to hurry. This idea spilled right over into my home life. I have been fighting it for a while now. The point is that life takes time. So why not take pleasure in it on a more routine basis?

Appreciate the menial tasks and the blessings of being a property owner, car owner and job holder. As best you can, forget the hustle bustle. Don’t even join in!

The “to do” list is never ending. It will always be around and guaranteed you will never accomplish it all in one day, or heck, one week or even a year. Tasks take time. Some projects take longer than 2 minutes. Recognize this and be a peace. Don’t let all those rushing around disturb your journey. Stress does more harm than good and that is a fact!

Know that God is teaching you with every event that occurs. He loves you and desires you to be in right mind and good health so you can hear, see and understand what He wants you to know. Enjoy the current task at hand with joy and know that Our Creator is always near, waiting to bless you and provide for you at life’s every turn.

Enjoy! Laura

Monday, August 13, 2012

Did you know? You are a Miracle!




The unique traits that make every human body a work of art is extraordinary!

There are tons of facts to support each individual’s complexity and that alone is a testament to how magnificent, wonderful and intelligent our Creator is!

He has blessed people so much by giving them an opportunity to exist… each person is God’s possession. We are His and His alone. That should not only make us happy but surely content and thankful.

God has a will for each of our lives… there is something that each of us was meant to accomplish as a part of God’s plan.

He loves us so dearly that he wants to have a relationship with each person so He can show us first hand his incredible love and give us a glimpse of the amazing things that are in store for us for those who believe in His Son Jesus Christ.

Do you believe that God sent His Son to Earth to share the news of Salvation with those present at that time? Do you know that the Good News is just as true then as it is today?

I encourage you to keep asking questions about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the words that are written in the Holy Bible. Your spiritual health, after all, is very important.

Along the way, I also want to encourage you to take care of the amazing body that God has shared with you. Keep it in optimum shape by learning to eat the most nutritious foods and consuming beneficial liquids. Remember to exercise several times a week and you will not only feel better, but will be able to learn and understand more of the facts and ideas that God wants to share with you!

Here are two books that I have been reading lately. Enjoy!



I wish for you many days of good health, even more days of extraordinary peace and for you to be filled to the brim with the heartfelt joy that grows exponentially as you seek to know your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

~ * ~ Laura ~ * ~