String of Pearls

I received this in an email from a friend today...someone who has been walking her own grief journey. Perhaps you've read it before, perhaps you'll be reading it for the first time here. Either way, I felt it was worth sharing.

The cheerful little girl with bouncy golden curls was almost five. Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them, a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box.

"Oh Mommy please, Mommy.. Can I have them? Please, Mommy, please?"

Quickly the mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the pleading blue eyes of her little girl's upturned face.

"A dollar ninety-five. That's almost $2.00. If you really want them, I'll think of some extra chores for you and in no time you can save enough money to buy them for yourself. Your birthday's only a week away and you might get another crisp dollar bill from Grandma."

As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her penny bank and counted out 17 pennies. After dinner, she did more than her share of chores and she went to the neighbor and asked Mrs. McJames if she could pick dandelions for ten cents. On her birthday, Grandma did give her another new dollar bill and at last she had enough money to buy the necklace.

Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown up. She wore them everywhere, Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bubble bath. Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green.

Jenny had a very loving Daddy and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story. One night as he finished the story, he asked Jenny , "Do you love me?"

"Oh yes, Daddy. You know that I love you."

"Then give me your pearls."
"Oh, Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess, the white horse from my collection , the one with the pink tail. Remember, Daddy? The one you gave me. She's my very favorite."

"That's okay, Honey, Daddy loves you. Good night." And he brushed her cheek with a kiss.

About a week later, after the story time, Jenny 's Daddy asked again, "Do you love me?"

"Daddy, you know I love you."

"Then give me your pearls."
"Oh Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my baby doll.. The brand new one I got for my birthday. She is beautiful and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper."

"That's okay. Sleep well. God bless you, little one. Daddy loves you."

And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss.

A few nights later when her Daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian style.

As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek.
"What is it, Jenny ? What's the matter?"

Jenny didn't say anything but lifted her little hand up to her Daddy. And when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little quiver, she finally said, "Here, Daddy; this is for you."

With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny's Daddy reached out with one hand to take the dime store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny ...

He had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the dime-store stuff so he could give her the genuine treasure. So it is, with our Heavenly Father. He is waiting for us to give up the cheap things in our lives so that he can give us beautiful treasures.

God will never take away something without giving you something better in its place.

The greatest gifts happen when you share love and touch others.

My eyes zeroed in on that next to last sentence...

God will never take away something without giving you something better in its place.

So I went looking for Scripture to back it up.

First of all, I found that this is a quote attributed to Billy Graham. So it felt a little like a personal gift to me as I credit him with my salvation as a very young child. And if Billy Graham said it, he must have had a Biblical foundation for it, because that's just how he rolls!

And so I continue my search...if anyone would like to contribute Scripture references they feel can validate this quote, I'm all ears (and eyes)!

It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. Isaiah 55:11 NLT

Many names

Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. "Why are you sleeping?" he asked them. "Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation." While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus asked him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"
Luke 22:39-48 NIV


And so it began... As we enter the week that culminated in three days that changed history more than 2,000 years ago, I just wanted to reflect on the greatness of my God. His sacrifice, His power, His majesty, His selflessness, His love. I am so undeserving. Yet He has blessed me with the gift of His Grace in abundance.

God's

Redemption
At
Christ's
Expense

**Please scroll down and pause my player before watching video**

Wisdom Wednesday

The name of the LORD is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.

Proverbs 18:10


I just love that the very NAME of our Lord is our refuge...don't you?

Raise Up the Crown!

Sorry for the delay in posting the "winners" to the latest giveaway...I forgot that I have two classes to attend today (I'm on a break in between right now, so this will be quick!).

Remember I said that I might just have more than one CD to give? Well, I do. In fact, I have enough copies to give one to everyone who posted a verse...so there is no need for a random integer today!! YAY!

If everyone who posted a comment will just email me via my profile with your mailing info, I will get your copy of Raise Up the Crown out to you! I pray that it blesses you richly in the coming Easter season!

Let's close this post with one of the verses posted...and the reason for our praise!

...He is risen! Mark 16:6 NKJV

Heaven Song

*Please scroll down and pause my player before viewing*

To think that the praise and worship we offer Him here will be NOTHING compared what we offer with our Heavenly voices...can you even imagine??

Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders.
And they sang in a mighty chorus: "Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered--to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing."
And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang: "Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever."

Revelation 5:11-13 NLT

I'd love to know!

Do you have a favorite Scripture verse? One near and dear to your heart that you reach for when you need a boost, or in times of despair or perhaps great joy? One that you know so well you can recite it backwards, forwards and upside down? I'd love for you to share it!

In fact, if you'll share that verse in a comment here, it'll enter you in a little drawing for one of these:

"Go on up to the mountain of mercy..."
With the opening lyrics of Raise Up the Crown, you embark on a journey through the three days that changed the course of history & eternity. Beginning with "Beautiful, Scandalous Night", the album moves you through a unique experience from songs on the sacrifice of Christ (Friday), to the glorious celebration of new life (Sunday) with "Easter Song". Find a quiet place, listen from beginning to end, & reflect on the Passion, Redemption, and Glory.
quoted from the back of the CD cover

This is a wonderful CD...it truly is one that you will want to add to your collection!

What's that you say? How can you pick just one favorite verse? You have several beloved verses and you simply cannot choose...

Well...how's this for a solution?

Everyone may post up to 5 of their best loved Scripture verses. My only condition is that you write the verse out in its entirety so that we may all breathe in the Word of God and worship as we read. So again, please don't just quote Book, chapter and verse, okay?

Ready...set...share! I'm looking forward to reading the verses that are on your heart. I have a feeling I'm about to be richly blessed and I hope you will be too...

I'll close this post with two of my favorite verses. The first was a favorite of both my Sweet Hubby and me. In fact, it is inscribed on our headstone.

I'll leave this post open to comments until midnight Sunday (EST) 3/21/10. The winner will be selected using, once again, the random integer thingamabob. I'll put up a post announcing the winner by noon, Monday (EST). And don't forget to include some way to contact you in one of your comments!

Oh...and did I mention that I just may have more than one CD to give away? You never know - I'm unpredictable that way!

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT

Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT

Wisdom Wednesday

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

Proverbs 16:24 ESV

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Would you like to have a copy of this CD just in time for Easter?





Check back tomorrow to find out how!!

Was it you??

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

3

Timestamp: 2010-03-15 10:45:41 UTC

Kim, it's YOU!!

Congratulations, I hope you enjoy the LC baker!

Please contact me through my profile with your mailing information and color choice. The dish will be shipped to you direct from Cookware.com courtesy of csn stores!

My thanks to all who participated! And again, big thanks to Jessica and csn stores for their generosity!

Don't go far...another giveaway is in the works!

Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 1:17 NLT

Jammin'

WinterJam '10 came to my area a couple of weeks ago and what a night it was!! It may have been frigidly cold outside (fuh-reeezing!) but inside it was warm, warm, warm! A couple thousand brothers and sisters in Christ ready to worship and fabulous Christian artists ready to lead that worship make for a beautiful evening for sure! Add the company of a good friend to the mix (who even sprung for dinner...thanks for the hotdog, JJ!) and it's truly special...

It was a great lineup; to name just a few - Sidewalk Prophets, New Song, Tenth Avenue North, Fireflight, Kutless and then this group of guys...


They've had some changes...Michael Tait replacing Peter Furler as the band's frontman. But one thing remains the same - they have a true heart for the Lord and LOVE to worship His name!! I first heard today's Music Monday selection live about 6 weeks ago and fell in love with it. So I was especially thankful to hear them perform it again. I hope you enjoy it too. The words just speak volumes to me about how our Savior loves us and wants to embrace us and accompany us along every step of our journey.

*Please scroll down and pause my player before watching video*

"When your world is darkest, I can still see..."

I can't begin to tell you how much comfort (and hope) those words hold for me! How about you? Have I told you that "hope" is my focus word for the year? It is...

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NLT



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Be sure and check back later today to see who won that fabulous Le Creuset baker!

Want one?

Spring is in the air - finally! The sun has been shining brightly these past few days (wherever you've been Mr. Sun, I'm sooo glad you've decided to make a comeback!), the birds are chirping away, the swallows have returned to their nest and I expect I'll see my first hummingbirds within the next couple of weeks...ahhh!

I've got some exciting news to share with you over the next couple of weeks, but for today let's start with a GIVEAWAY, shall we?!

I was contacted by Jessica at csn stores the other day offering me the opportunity to gift one of my readers with a product of my choosing from one of their many online companies. Not familiar with csn stores? Well, just for starters, they offer kids bedding, modern furnishings and cookware! Exciting stuff, right?!

Want to know what I've chosen for the lucky winner? (I'm sooooo excited!!)


It's a 12"x9.5" baking dish from Le Creuset! It's available in white, cobalt blue, Caribbean blue, Dijon yellow, kiwi green and black and the lucky winner will have their choice of color (based on availability at the time of the drawing)!

I can tell you that I have several of these LC bakers (in white) and they are FANTASTIC!! They cook beautifully, present beautifully and clean like a dream! Take it from me...you REALLY want to win this...it's THAT good!

Here's the good part! Ready? I'm offering 4 opportunities to win - that's right! Here's how:

1) Comment on this post and you're entered once. Easy, right?!

2) Post on YOUR blog about my giveaway including a link to this post, then come back here and leave me a comment that you've done so including a link to your post and you're entered again!

3) Become a follower of my blog and leave me a comment here that you've done so!

4) On Facebook? Tell your friends about my giveaway in your "status" including a link to my site. Again, just come back here and leave me a comment that you've done so! (Honor system on this one, okay, because I know I'm not FB friends with all of you!)

There you have it...4 easy chances to win! I hope you take advantage of all of them! Please be sure to leave a way of contacting you in your comments (cuz you know you're gonna win, right?!).

I'll leave this post open to comments through the weekend and will again use the random integer thingy to select a winning number Monday morning - March 15th, 2010.

I'm so excited...! Oh, and Jessica...on behalf of In the Throne Room - my thanks to csn stores for their generosity!!

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT

Wisdom Wednesday

We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall.

Proverbs 16:33 NLT

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I have an exciting post coming in the next day or two...be sure to check back!

More than a word

Faith...it's so much more than a word to me now. I'll share more soon.

Happy will she be who had faith that the things which the Lord has said to her will be done. Luke 1:45

So broken

My heart...so broken for so many. His voice...so insistent, so persistent. He is calling, I am listening, yet resistant. My life, all I have known...here. But He is calling and I am hearing. Just not obeying. I am sinful...stubborn...scared. Yet, one day, I know that I will...follow. How can I not?

**Please scroll down and pause my player before watching video**

What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don't show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, "Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well"--but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. Now someone may argue, "Some people have faith; others have good deeds." But I say, "How can you show me your faith if you don't have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds." You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can't you see that faith without good deeds is useless? Don't you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: "Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith." He was even called the friend of God. So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone. Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.

James 2:14-26 NLT

Continuing on

So, let's see...I think I left off here - with Matthew on the shores of Miami's South Beach, right?

Interested in seeing a bit more of what went on there? Hmmm?

Well, there was this great boat ride...

And a beautiful, familiar skyline! Miami Vice? CSI Miami?

With impressive mansions...Just in case you've ever wondered where your pharmaceutical $ go...and I'm talkin' generics here, for cryin' out loud!! Each of those palm trees...$10,000!

We strolled along the beautiful marinas of Biscayne Bay...ahh...peaceful!

We walked the city streets...so colorful, vibrant and full of life!

We ate GREAT food...waaaay too much of it! But oh my...

And we had beautiful views to close our eyes to at night from our hotel room...

It was a trip meant to introduce our youngest son to some of the places my Sweet Hubby and I loved the best. I think I succeeded.

And the reality is...this was only just the beginning. More to come...

I am so glad that you always keep me in your thoughts, and that you are following the teachings I passed on to you. 1 Corinthians 11:2 NLT

Wisdom Wednesday

Listen as Wisdom calls out! Hear as understanding raises her voice! On the hilltop along the road, she takes her stand at the crossroads. By the gates at the entrance to the town, on the road leading in, she cries aloud, "I call to you, to all of you! I raise my voice to all people. You simple people, use good judgment. You foolish people, show some understanding. Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you. Everything I say is right, for I speak the truth and detest every kind of deception. My advice is wholesome. There is nothing devious or crooked in it. My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those with knowledge. Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it."

Proverbs 8:1-11 NLT

So much...

So much tragedy. So much sorrow. So much heartache and suffering. Now more than ever, we need to hold onto the healing Hand of God.

**Scroll down and pause my player before watching video**

I know you join me in praying for the people and nation of Chile, even as we continue praying for those in Haiti. So much, Lord...

All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort---we get a full measure of that, too.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 The Message