Polished

There is an aura of relaxation and self-preservation connected to the feminine experience of the Nail Salon. It's a place of comfort and refuge from a hectic day at work, or an apparatus of expectation- the middle ground between the ordinary and the fabulous. For most women, there is something pleasurably satisfying about leaving the nail salon with a  fresh mani-pedi. You walked in with dull, chipped, peeling color, only to leave with fresh, clean and shining nails. It's a wonderful feeling. It's a lot like our Spiritual process. Let me explain.

There was once a time when I used to do my own nails. Convinced that I was saving money for other things and reluctant to become dependent on someone else, I casually purchased cheap polishes that averaged around $6 dollars or so. I had an entire collection of vivid colors. I kept my nails trimmed and had cotton balls on hand. I would take my time to touch each finger tip and patiently wait for the coat to dry. The end results were pretty... but sadly, extremely temporary. There were even instances where I had to re-do my nails twice in one day or suffer the "crack-effect", due to my cheapness. So, one day, I decided to stop shopping at Walmart for my nail color. I would, instead, invest in more salon quality nail products. I began to pay the $12 dollar fee for more expensive brands and I even invested in a top coat. The laquer and upgrade in quality really made a difference! It had more of a luster in appearance, maintained it's condition for almost twice the time as the cheaper brands and it seemed to me that I was still able to hold onto my own ability to appease my appearance and control of my wallet. Although there were definitely notable positives to my nail polish upgrade, the higher quality came with some side effects. For one, the wait time for drying took much longer and since I did not have my own nail dryer, often enough I ended up waisting time and product due to reapplication of one finger or another because of smudges, scrapes and demarkations. See, the more expensive polishes require more drying time. It may have appeared to be dry on the outside, but the undercoats were often times still damp, unbeknownst to me. Another side effect was the new fumes. Cheap polish doesn't carry as heavy a smell as more salon quality polishes. It took me a while to get used to whiffs of colored chemicals, which of course was accompanied by the need to use stronger nail polish removers. These side effects obviously didn't chase me away from doing my own nails, but over time, it became a hassle.

Friends of mine would urge me to go to the salon with them. I always would insist, however, that I didn't need to. I knew how to do my own nails. I was saving my time and money... but was I really? Probably not. Considering the time alone that it took to apply, re-apply, remove and apply again due to smears and smudges, chips and cracks, I ended up waisting more money than I actually saved and Lord only know how much time it cost me! But in my mind, I was convinced that I could do it on my own. I remember the first time I stepped foot into a nail salon, I was a skeptic. I honestly had no desire to be there, but after numerous invitations, I finally accompanied my friend Kourtney one day after classes. She wanted me to join in the seat next to her, but I declined. I didn't need someone else to do for me what I thought I could do for myself. I felt self-sufficient, but I watched as she placed her hands into the palms of the lady across from her. They had friendly conversation with each other, as the women stripped away the old color and prepared her hands for the new. The women were friendly and very attentive. They helped my friend choose her color, complimented her on her selection, massaged her hands and feet, shared laughs and stories and within an hour, her nails and toes were done. I was astonished to learn that she was able to keep the same color for 2 weeks! I remember glancing down at my nails, shiny, but already cracking; but that initial visit wasn't enough for me to change my mind. Leaving that nail salon, I felt intrigued because it wasn't just about nails... it was an entire experience that my friend could look forward to. It was an opportunity to be taken care of by professionals who made a job feel like an art. She was well taken care of. I secretly became curious about what that might be like for me.

Occasionally, I would go back to the Salon with Kourt... but only to accompany her. I wouldn't order
any services for myself. Even when a lady once urged me to let her take care of me, I kindly said, "no thank you", but really, I wanted to say, "ok". It did look very relaxing and beneficial, I just wasn't willing to part with my own routine of doing things my way. I didn't need her to do something that I could do for myself; or so I thought. It was honestly years before I got desperate enough to venture into a nail salon on my own. I had finally gotten so frustrated with trying to manage myself in my own hands. My left hand was always shaky, causing my right nails to look a hot mess. Cracks seemed to magically appear, no matter how much of a top coat I would use and chips and smudges were inevitable! The moment I felt satisfied with my own work, something would smudge or I'd accidentally knock my hand on the counter and ruin my hard efforts. After a few days, the polish would chip and loose it's shine. It was a mess! I was frustrated.
The first time I went to get my nails done, I'll never forget it. It was for an interview and I wanted to feel confident. I was nervous because I didn't want to pay a ridiculous fee and I was afraid that it would be a waist of time. I was hesitant to trust a stranger to make me look good. What if she was rude and started to speak a different language around me? What if they didn't have any colors that I liked? What if they were expensive? What if, after all the time and money, my nails still chipped? I had all these doubts in my mind, but I figured I should at least give it a try; why not? As I sat in the warm leather chair and chose my services, I can honestly say, the experience delighted me so much that I regret ever taking so long to try it! the women were friendly, diligent and had loads of suggestions. The woman who helped me was very bubbly and sweet and has never forgotten my name. I've been seeing Mrs. Lee for over 2 years now. She knows all about my career, my favorite colors, my sweet marriage and my pregnancy. I know about her home life in Cambodia, all three of her children, how she and her husband started this business from nothing and we have developed some funny jokes between the two of us. Not to mention, my nails are healthy and strong and always very pristine! For years, I was missing out on such a comforting and enjoyable experience, although I didn't even know it.

Many people, convinced that they can do life by themselves, miss out on the wonderful experience of

knowing Jesus. They think that putting their trust in the Lord is a waist of time. They see their friends or family going to church and reading the Bible, they might even join in on a service every now and then or pray when they need assistance, but in their minds, they have control over their own lives and they really don't feel the need for help from God or anybody else. They might notice things here and there in their lives that aren't up to par, so in their own attempts they try to upgrade themselves, just like I tried to upgrade my polish products. For a while, it seems to do the trick for them. They might go on a non-drinking fast for a couple of weeks, no-sex for the first few dates, they might try to loose weight or try a new hobby, quite a bad habit or change their wardrobe; so many attempts for their own personal self-maintenance, but it's only temporary. On the outside, it may appear that life is good, but underneath their top coat, stuff is still wet and unfinished. Like my nails, the cracks in life eventually begin to surface. They get hit with unexpected events that cause smudges and demarkations in their plans to stay in control. No matter how hard they try and no matter how many different upgrades, changes, investments and alterations they make, it still isn't enough and they begin to question their abilities. Those who have the heart of wisdom eventually come to the understanding that they cannot change their hearts on their own; they cannot maintain the God standard in their own efforts. Others continue to wander, trying this product or that technique, never truly finding satisfaction. We all were once there and I thank God for all the spiritual Kourtneys that aren't afraid to invite us into places of love and offer us the opportunity to experience what it's like to put our lives in the hands of someone who is more capable of governing us than we are.

In our own efforts, we think we are saving ourselves; but truly, we are just waisting time. Going round and round in circles of our own efforts, our control, our abilities and our way only leads to a life lacking in luster and full of chipped frustration. But when we allow ourselves to trust in the Lord, place our faith in His suggestions for our lives, rest ourselves in His ability to color our hearts with His love and relax in the joy of the experience of Salvation, well... that's when we really start to shine!

Ephesians 2:8 tells us that Salvation (being accepted by God) will never happen in our own efforts. Instead, God invites us to come to Him, through Jesus, to experience His love and life changing power that we can never attain on our own. It is a gift, a treasure, a permanent establishment of His presence and His perfection in our lives. No, we will never be perfect. The smudges of our past might always grip our minds, but in Jesus, they don't have the power to grip our lives. He asks us for our chipped hearts and smudged up lives, in exchange for his permanent radiance and eternal coat of glory! Christ calls to each of us, saying:
 "Come, take a seat. Give me your hands...give me your heart...give me your life. I have big plans for you! I have desires to make you shine and radiate in this world and in the next! You don't have to live in frustration any more. I know you are trying to improve yourself. I know you are afraid of letting go of control. You think you have found a short cut, but it only has you running in circles. Let me message your messes out of your life. Let me wash you with the water of my word. Let me give you a new life, one that will not fade away or loose its shine over ime. Let me coat you with my joy, my peace, my confidence and my hope. Let me laugh with you and share my heart with you. I have much to offer you that you could never acquire on your own. Trust me. Give me your hands...give me your heart...give me your life."


He wants so much more than to just change your exterior or the color of your experiences; He wants to change your life and polish your heart! He wants to establish a beauty within you that will not fade or peel away. Will you let Him? I pray that you do! I pray that we all will one day fully understand and experience how Salvation can polish our lives and radiate our existence with the eternal luster that only comes from knowing Jesus!

Trust Him with your hands...with your heart and with your life! I promise, you will not be disappointed.
~Pearls

Is Christianity Still Relevant?

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Last Thursday, a crowd of comments swarmed Facebook regarding the topic of religion vs spirituality after a post was uploaded featuring women co-hosts on ABC's The View. In the video clip, the stars discussed on the morning talk show their personal opinions, acceptance and reactions of modern day religion and the path to God. Raven Symone, America's sweet heart and child star from the Cosby Show and Disney's That's So Raven show, made some rather interesting remarks in regards to her personal beliefs and opinions on the matter:

"Every religion has it's time and place and then we start evolving [as a human race]...I have a personal rejection to religion itself, but spirituality is through everybody, no matter what God you praise to."

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She also states on the show that she was focusing her lifestyle on New Age montras, light and energy. Her words were said with such confidence and the crowd gave a roaring applause, but I wonder, within the inner being of her own heart, is Raven, along with the others in our world, truly satisfied with the condition of their souls? Or are they, like many, on the search to find fulfillment within their own means? And if so, is the debate to convince themselves or those around them?

Scripture tells us to be careful of false teachings or of words that lure us into self-gratification..."tickling ears" is what the Bible calls it:

"For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear."
~2 Timothy 4:3

There is no doubt that we are in such an era, where people willingly reject what is true and sound in exchange for what is comfortable and for what allows them to maintain a certain lifestyle without responsibility for God's word. Everyone feels they have their own personal path to God, yet scripture is very clear that there is only one way to the Father, and that is through Jesus, His son!

"And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life and this life is through His Son. Whoever has the Son has eternal life, whoever does not have the Son does not have life" ~1 John 5: 11-12

The next day after this video was posted on Facebook, the girls from Pearls of Hope had a very riveting discussion on the matter. Here are some of the comments they shared:

"I understand there may be people in the world who profess Christ but they are not setting the best examples and it's unfortunate, but people have been rejecting him since he came into the world. That's a choice. You are choosing not to believe, don't blame the next person and use them as the representative for the entire body. Try him for yourself." - Brittany

"It bothers me that all of those ladies seemed to try to make excuses for the world and themselves and blame it on religion for the reasons they're conforming to this "new age"...(people) think they are saved because they believe in God or his existence but then choose to live their own way because they don't know what's required of them because they're not seeking God and his kingdom and staying glued to his word!" -Amanda

"Although people like her make me sad, I feel like they just need the right experience to change their whole perspective. There is still hope for her and those with that mentality as long as they are breathing. We really have to pray hard for them."- Ariel

In a nut shell, no matter who you are or what you've heard or what you've read, God's word must be the source of our lives and the means by which we make our decisions, because He is God. If He says it, we know it is truth, because God is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19). Yet, our society defies the very nature of God by rejecting His word and clinging on to their own intellect, opinions and views. And worse, they demand that we, those who belong to God and are called of Christ, to assimilate ourselves with their perspective and their views, expecting us to quietly "respect" their life choices, while they openly reject ours. It is a difficult condition that the Christian has found themselves in: to boldly proclaim Christ to a world who has rejected him, or silently disagree in our hearts for fear of being rejected ourselves. Yet scripture tells us that they will reject us- well... not really us, but the Spirit of Christ who lives in us (Matthew 10:22). 

If we are to be effective Christians, we must not align ourselves with the world in regards to things that are contrary to the Bible. In love, we must allow the courage of the Holy Spirit to raise up within us and declare, "No. This is not right. There is only one way and there is only one path, and this is through Jesus!"

The women on The View, regardless of their personal opinions, each have a soul that is precious to God. But I wonder how many of them truly understand the Gospel message? How many of them, in their own power and in their own attempt at goodness, are trying to pave their own path, despite the fact that God has already paved one for them and for us all? The issue isn't Spirituality vs. Religion...even the Devil and his demonds are spiritual! Religion is man's own attempt at righteousness, which we know is disgusting to God (Isaiah 64:6). So the question then isn't spirituality or religion...The real question is, Do you want a relationship with God or not? If you do, it's only possible through Jesus! All other attempts, forms, beliefs or traditions will not make the cut. It's only through him that we are reconciled to God. This is the way of God. Any other route leads away from Him, away from His light and away from His kingdom.

Here are more scriptures on the matter:

John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

1 Corinthians 2:14 The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 4:8 So, he who rejects this is not rejecting man but the God who gives His Holy Spirit to you.

Romans 1:20 For God's invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

1 John 5:11-12 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has eternal life; whoever does not have the Son does not have life!

We invite you to watch the clip and to share your thoughts, comments and questions with us! We'd be happy to pray with you or explain God's plan of salvation with even more detail with you! Please know that, no matter where you are in life, you will never go too far that God can't reach out and bring you to Himself!

Our prayers go up for you and for all those who are still searching!

~Pearls

2 Years Behind Us... An Even Brighter Future Ahead of Us!

At the brink of Summer, 2013, we began a little Bible Study at my kitchen table. There were only two girls, Ashley and I, and we met over breakfast to discuss our need for more of God. We read a few scriptures, had a lot of discussion, ate cinnamon rolls with coffee and smiled at the thought of having personal devotion together during that summer. It was a sweet time for us and for our friendship. Two weeks later, Jessica joined us, followed by Kourtney, and by the end of the month, we had begun our first book with our faithful four!

Fast forward two years later, we are 13 girls strong, with weekly meetings, weekend trips, community outreach, social media interactions and, to celebrate our growth in the Lord, our much anticipated 2nd Annual Ladies Luncheon!!! This year, our Luncheon was held under a beautiful blue sky, in Lindley Park, with the company of God's gorgeous creation! Our mentors/guest speakers traveled all the way from Charlotte to share their love and encouragement with us. It was a lovely success and, I believe, just a sneak peak of what more God has in store for us all!
Pearls of Hope serves as an undeniable blessing in my life. It's a joy for me to witness all that God has done for us and doing within us in only a short amount of time. We are more than just a Bible Study, we are an accountability group, filled with love and commitment toward one another, all for the sake of Christ! There were times when people close to us discouraged us from meeting. They didn't understand the vision God had placed within us. But our faith in the Lord and in each other is the only source from which our success grows! Our friendships are blooming, our confidence is growing, our relationships with Christ, although very individual and specific to each one of us, deepens with each study we complete, each prayer that we pray and each hug and encouragement that we share!

Hebrews 10: 23-25 is the scripture we have dedicated to represent our organization, as well as define our purpose and our friendships with one another:
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.  And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day [of Christ's return] approaching".

At our 2nd Annual Luncheon, we were able to celebrate the growth and accountability that we share

together in Christ! We are so thankful for His blessings and look forward to ALL that  God has in store for us as we progress in Him! 2015 is filled with such promise as we endeavor upon our 6th study and plan for ideas that Christ has already begun to lay on our hearts for 2016!

"[Our] 2nd annual luncheon was nothing short of amazinggg!! This Bible study has been such a blessing to me and I can confidently say, all of the other pearls as well! My relationship with Christ grows stronger with each study and I'm so very thankful and grateful for each one of you. It is no coincidence that the things I was missing, the Lord saw fit to provide in and through this group. I love you all and I admire your pursuit of Christ, I pray God continues to grow our love and fellowship with each other and his people. Great things with be birthed from this group, the best is yet to come but God's NOW is pretty amazing"
~Jessica G., Pearls of Hope Member (Facebook Quote)

Pearls of Hope has become, not only a priority in our lives, but a necessity, because within this group, we can be transparent and vulnerable with each other, without fear. We can confess our struggles and short comings, lean on each other for encouragement, strength and forgiveness and hold each other accountable through the Word of God and in prayer. We are not just a club or a "girl's group", we are dynamic, fearless, passionate and unstoppable because we belong to the Lord!

What sets us apart? It's not our looks, or our talents. It's not the measure of our success or our intellect. What makes us phenomenal is our heart's pursuit of Christ! He has taken a group of broken, lost, mistreated and abandoned women and has exchanged our earthly treasures, existence and false senses of security for his eternal love, value, forgiveness and acceptance. We are daughters of the Most High King and it is His LIFE that makes ours BEAUTIFUL!!! 

Thank you Lord for your blessings and our friendships! We celebrate them and we cherish you!

~Pearls

True Friends

When I was a child, I changed friends like dirty clothes. Sometimes, due to someone moving to a new city or a new school, other times because of childhood drama that came and go as often as the sun rises and sets.
In High School, I was the odd man out (uh...girl). I didn't quite fit in. I didn't really belong. My friends were those who, like me, stood out too much to blend in with this clique or that group. Ours was a comrodare of existence, not necessarily of similarity; so, once High School was over, so was our friendships.
Upon entering college, my goal was to make friends! I wanted to be popular. I wanted to belong! I wanted to go to parties and out on dates. I wanted to be "cool" and I thought the key was in blending in with the crowd. But that was short lived and left me very unsatisfied. I had to change myself to fit in, and eventually, it became too much of an effort for me to keep up such a facade. I grew tired and irritated with myself, as did everyone around me. One by one, I lost every friend that I tried so hard to change myself for... and I lost myself in the process.

Fast forward eight years after college, I now know the worth that God has given me. I know understand and appreciate His calling over my life and His gift of Salvation, through Jesus. Once I began to grow in Him and keep my heart in His word, He began to bring people into my life who could love me, for who He made me to be! I can smile to myself at the miracle of true friendships that Christ has surrounded me with.
We all come from different backgrounds, life experiences and testimonies. We all have different hopes for the future and goals for our lives, but what we do have in common is Jesus! We don't take from each other, rather we invest in one another. We love, lift up, correct and support one another, all for the sake of Jesus. I don't have to be someone I'm not. I can be me: quirky, sensitive and silly, with a dash of vanity! I can confess my short comings with out being rejected and I can extend my advice, knowing that it falls on hearts who appreciate me. Isn't it a wonder how, when we begin to seek God with all our hearts, he ushers in people who can love us the way He does!

Last night, I celebrated my birthday with all of my friends! It was the first birthday for me that included a group of people, happy to see me and eager to love me! I cry as I write this, because it's taken me a lifetime to enjoy and experience this kind of closeness with other women in a mature and mutual way. I don't say this to hurt any of my friends from the past, but I see a difference between Christian friendships and those based off of other interests. In Christ, I have security and my friendships fall right in line with that. In Christ, I have purpose, a hope and a future; my sisters in Christ remind me of that in every hug, every laugh, every conversation and yes, even in every argument. I see Jesus in them and I experience that unconditional love through my friendships with them. They make me want to strive harder in Christ! They make me want to push myself to shine my light for the Lord!

If you don't know what it's like to have a strong core group of Christian friends, let me encourage you to ask the Lord for some. I know there are thousands of women out there, searching for like minded people to walk this journey with. God will connect you to the right people, you just have to ask him for the guidance and direction to find them!

As I close this note, I want to just tell all my Pearls how much I love them! (I LOVE YOU!!!) I'm so thankful for each and every one of you! Thank you for being a part of my journey with Jesus! Thank you for sharing your lives and your hearts with me! Thank you for loving my husband and I and thank you for encouraging me to rock my life for Christ! You girls are an answered prayer, and I don't think you will ever know how much you all truly mean to me!

I love you, Pearls!

~Katrina

Pictures Are Worth A MILLION Words!

It's been quite a journey, and who can imagine what more God has in store for us???

When we first began our Bible Study, we had no idea of what the results would be, or how the Lord would work in us, through us and use us. This process has been an incredible journey, but could not have been a success without the women who made this possible. Throughout the course of our meeting together, we have grown in grace, in love with Jesus and in our friendships with each other! We are so thankful for the journey that the Lord has lead us on, and I know I speak for everyone when I say, I couldn't have counted on as much spiritual growth with out the help, love and support of my sisters!

Pearls of Hope is a blessing to me, and I cannot wait to see how God continues to unfold his plan for us in the lives of others, for His glory!!!

Thank you Marissa Joy Kaplan for your amazing artistic eye and creativity in shooting these images for us!

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WELCOME!!!

At the moment it is very still. All the girls have left from our Tuesday night Bible Study. The laughter and conversation no longer linger in the air, and I am reminded of how sweet the silence can be. My beautiful husband lies asleep in the other room; tired and drained from his long day. My books are in the corner, waiting to be read, but instead I've decided to sit awhile and enjoy the sweet silence that comes from knowing that God's word has satisfied, once again.

Currently, we have just completed week 11 in our Daniel study, by Beth Moore. This study will mark #2 that we have completed in the past year. Now, with only one week left to go in Daniel, I find myself reflecting over the past year's journey and at God's marvelous plans and his beautiful word. I think about how far we have all come, over the past 10 months and I am thankful that we did not give up, even when odds and opinions were against us. I am so proud of my girls... my friends... my sisters in Christ!

There was a sad time in our short history as a group where we were discouraged from joining together in Bible study and prayer. We were told that we were not mature enough, that we needed training, that we were out of line. We were told that we didn't know what we were doing... and maybe we didn't. But God saw our burning hearts for more of His word. He graciously took notice, as we prayed for each other, studied His truths and shared His love with one another. He has led us a mighty long way, with still much terrain to travel! I am honored to walk alongside women such as these; women who are not afraid to ask questions and seek truths beyond "Church Lingo"... women who aren't afraid or ashamed to say, "I am hungry for more of God!" These women are amazing and I am so proud to share this journey with them.

In our current study of Daniel, we are learning that in order to live effective lives for the cause of Christ, we must live our lives out on purpose, as living sacrifices that have resolved to renounce anything that will keep us from growing a deeper relationship with Christ and from our Godly calling.

Beth Moore says, "We...can live out our lives with integrity, but we will never do it by accident". How profound is that? Everyday, we must choose to pattern our hearts and our minds after the Truth that is found only in Christ, through the Word of God! And as we grow and mature, in His love, He begins to shape us and polish us into the Pearls and into the young women He has created us to be, for His kingdom and glory's sake! (Amen)

Sitting here, in the silence, my heart is so full and thankful for what God is preparing to do, in our lives, and in yours! Allow the Lord to lead you, in whatever direction you feel He is calling you. Don't worry if you're not good enough, mature enough or properly trained. If you have a heart to know, love and serve the Lord, then you are equipped enough! Christ will do the rest, and put you on a royal display, with all the other Jewels in His Crown!

Be encouraged, my friend!

Faith, Hope and Love, 

~Pearls of Hope