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