Argue in the name of Love

Last week, my husband and I were headed down the road towards a pretty unfriendly disagreement. I must admit that it was completely my fault. I over reacted (like usual). I spoke too soon (like usual). I failed to consider all of the facts (like usual).

In my close circle of friends, which pretty much consists of all of the members of Pearls of Hope, we have developed, for the most part, a pretty telepathic form of communication. We can read each other's emotions and do a pretty good job of interpreting the body language of another woman. We understand the meaning of a sigh, or the teary eyed look from a friend. But I have to admit, it never dawned on me that this form of communication was/is foreign to my husband, and many men for that matter.

During our argument, I was waiting for him to interpret my body language, perceive my unspoken thoughts through my tears and gestures. I was hoping for his "AHA" moment to happen, without my use of words or verbal expressions of my feelings; yet when I did not receive an indication that he understood me, I began to become frustrated and, let's just say that the scripture "slow to speak" was no longer resonating in my thoughts. Thankfully, the Lord, in His tender kindness, has a way of stepping in and calming the storms of our hearts. Because Jesus is our center, we were able to lovingly resolve the tensions and misunderstandings, before any ship wrecks occurred!

Ladies, although I am only still a newly wed, I want to empress upon you the importance of being vulnerable within your relationships. Our husbands, boyfriends, friends, families- they are not mind readers. Jesus is the only one who can peer into the crevices of our hearts; it's foolish to expect another person to preform a task that we ourselves are not capable of doing. There is nothing wrong with arguments; in fact, conflict is needed to allow a relationship to grow. Healthy conflict will result in you learning more about yourself and your loved one. It brings out our true nature, flaws, weaknesses and strengths- all of which is necessary to be exposed, if we are desiring to build an honest and open relationship with someone. But we have to be willing to expose ourselves if we expect to gain the trust and confidence of the other person, in order for them to do the same with us.

Below is an article from Relevant Magazine. I thought it might be helpful for those of you who need a little lesson on arguing in a healthy and loving manner. It's focus in on marriage, but really, the information can be applied to any relationship. I hope this will help you and encourage you in your journey with Jesus.

Remember, our Lord is a relational God. He wants us to build and grow in His grace and share His love with others.

Be honest, be kind and be blessed!

~Pearls
RELEVANT MAGAZINE: 8-things-every-healthy-marriage-has

Helping Hands and Giving Hearts

For 2 months, Pearls of Hope have been collecting items for a women's shelter in our area. Many of us felt the call and challenge to be more giving, to remember the less fortunate and to share with others from the many blessings that we receive, yet often take for granted. It's very humbling to realize that a tooth brush and white socks are items that many people in our own country struggle to acquire on their own.

Scripture says, "Give generously and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to." - Deuteronomy 15:10

We so long for the Lord to bless our efforts and our small group. We so long for the Lord to touch the lives of our families and friends and to use us in a mighty way within our community. But, before we can receive, we must learn to love to give. Before we can pray for ourselves, we must practice obedience in serving and giving to others.  We must learn to love our neighbors as ourselves. This truly is the work of ministry!

Please be in prayer for us, as we begin to research other areas in which we hope to have the opportunity to serve and give. Pray that the Lord will be pleased with our efforts and we pray that you will begin to practice the obedience of giving within your own communities!

Give Cheerfully!

~Pearls

PS: please visit the Events Page to see photos from this project! :)

Practicing Prayer

For the next 2 months, Pearls of Hope will be learning and practicing the gift and privilege of prayer! Last Tuesday, we entered into this very important topic with hearts wide open and optimistic spirits. It's amazing how many Jesus-believing people are either too afraid or too self conscious to practice consistent prayer, yet this is what scripture teaches us to do.

"Pray without ceasing"

-1 Thessalonians 5:17

"Ask and it will be given"

Matthew 7:7

"Pray for others"

-Hebrews 13:18

Pages and pages throughout the Bible encourage us to ask the Father, to cry out to God, to intercede for others and to approach the throne of grace with confidence. What love the Father has for us, that He allows an open door of communication to be set between Himself and His children. Yet, so many find fear, hesitation or uncomfort when put in the position to pray, especially in public. For this study, it is my hope and prayer that many of the girls find joy in praying out loud and for each other. My prayer is that we all experience a sweet presence of the Holy Spirit throughout this study, as we come together in sincere and open hearted prayer, for the next 6 weeks.

If you find fear or hesitation in your prayer life, please search the scriptures, and ask the Lord to replace your timidity with courage and boldness! Our Father loves to hear our hearts! Our brothers and sisters in Christ need to know that we are lifting them up in prayer! We have not, because we ask not. Let's all join together in asking and seeking a spirit that delights in prayer to our Loving and Gracious King!

Stay encouraged!

~Pearls