Looking Above and Beyond

 "It was a dream. And MORE than a dream. The dream had become real. Or reality had become a dream. These times are rare. Who is to say where the truth lies? Afterwards, men shake their heads in wonder and endure the scoffing of those who were not present. For it cannot be explained. Only experienced." - Merlin (book by Stephen Lawhead)

"There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,

Than are dreamt of in your philosophy."

- Hamlet (play by William Shakespeare)

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

This is what the ancients were commended for.

By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible." 

    (Letter to the Hebrews 11:1-3 by Apostle Paul)

"We are deeply to be pitied if we live our lives never seeking or believing anything beyond what we can see with our eyes or hold in our hands."  (In blog by Laura-Lee)

Just some things to ponder as you enjoy what I hope will be a restful long weekend that will give you the opportunity to cease your labours, put your worries aside, and cast your cares on Jesus.

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 

(1 Peter 5:7)

It can't be said any simpler or truer than that.

Thank you for stopping in to my Internet home. You are always welcome here.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee 

VINTAGE FRONT PORCH PONDERING

Recent "selfie". Just so you know I'm a real person. I'm still recovering but feeling better. (I didn't know my cross was in the background until I looked at it afterward.) LL

A Day of Peace in a Slanty Bed

"Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!"  Psalm 34:8
When you discern how huge God is and how great is His love it will lead you to peace. The kind of peace that goes beyond desperate circumstances because you know personally the Prince of peace. On that day you will be able to truly rest. Not just once a week but it will permeate every moment and aspect of your lives. That is my ultimate prayer for you. 

But for now, I encourage you to "shut down" for one day of the week. To turn off the technology, the noise and lay aside your worries, which unfortunately will probably all still be there later, and set apart a day for rest. It is another piece of evidence of God's knowledge of and love for us that He has made resting a commandment.  And so in resting you can be sure you are doing God's will, which can often be difficult to discover.



And if you are saying, "How can I find any way to relax when the whole world seems to have gone insane?"
Let me suggest opening up the Bible. If you don't have some dusty copy in your home somewhere, holding up the corner of a bed or being used as a doorstop, then there are literally dozens of Bible apps. In those pages, which are so easy to understand that even a child can do it (including my eleven-year-old self) you will find wonderful stories that will demonstrate God's character and how He interacts with people. Then His peace will begin to wash over you, almost like a side effect. Now, isn't that worth a banging door or a sloping bed?

Have a great Sunday everyone.

Speaking the truth, with love, 
Laura-Lee

UPDATE

I kid you not. I wrote and published this post on Saturday night. On Sunday (as is my usual practice), I watched the latest Charles Stanley sermon recommended to me on YouTube. The following video is what I saw.  

It is based on the three verses in my post. Philippians 4, John 14, and Romans 8. Dr. Stanley expounds on each and everything I said. The difference is, he tells you exactly how to go about getting the peace I only alluded to. I can't help but agree with everything he says because they are the EXACT things I said. 

Jesus obviously has something to say to those of you who visit this blog and I humbly (and with amazement) yield to our Heavenly Father. Love LL

The Key to Continuing Peace - Dr. Charles Stanley

In Touch Ministries - Charles Stanley