Our Passion for Christ!

For 6 months, the girls and I planned for the Passion Conference, hosted by pastor Louie Giglio, which took place just this past weekend! My husband, my brother and his girlfriend also joined us, and it was an amazing time in the Lord! It was an experience to be shared, and so we want to update you all on our adventures and experiences that we learned from this weekend!

Upon beginning this trip, our hearts were filled with great expectations! We engaged in all out worship with Matt Redman, Crowder and Chris Tomlin; sat under speakers such as John Piper, Judah Smith, Lecrae and Christine Caine and met some really inspiring Christians from all over the country. In my heart, it was like a little taste of Heaven... But now we're back, so what are we left to do? Christine said it best: we are called to work! "God is not interested in co-stars", she said in her lovely and riveting accent. "He is looking for co-laborers". 

I want to work to the glory of God and be used to enhance His kingdom, don't you?Upon beginning this trip, our hearts were filled with great expectations! We engaged in all out worship with Matt Redman, Crowder and Chris Tomlin; sat under speakers such as John Piper, Judah Smith, Lecrae and Christine Caine and met some really inspiring Christians from all over the country. In my heart, it was like a little taste of Heaven... But now we're back, so what are we left to do? Christine said it best: we are called to work! "God is not interested in co-stars", she said in her lovely and riveting accent. "He is looking for co-laborers". I want to work to the glory of God and be used to enhance His kingdom, don't you?

Many of us went to Passion for different reasons, but all of us left with a new energy for the Lord. This weekend was much needed for me. I'm realizing more and more how much I need Jesus and His mercy and grace over my life. We all have high hopes and good intensions, but if not driven by love and compassion, we will miss the mark every time. The Lord really spoke to my heart concerning this. I know that I have an incredible work to do for His glory, not mine! I have a promise over my life to make His name famous and to share God's love with others, but in His timing and not mine. I'm learning everyday- it is a process that I am joyfully and humbly experiencing. I'm so thankful for the people that are sharpening me like iron and who love me and are supporting me through my
journey with Jesus. He has great plans and I am willing to do the work and continue to plow like
Elisha! All of this is for the Savior! All I have is only for Him! Our attempts to do better or to improve our lives is only a form of powerless religion. We don't have the means to correct our own mistakes, because sin brings death and a dead man can't change their circumstances. When we come to Jesus, he brings new life and begins to live in us, providing the power we need to live pleasing lives for God!

Lord, give us a Passion for you!

~Pearls

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!

marissajoyphotography.com

Flying High for Jesus

We all have our "Lots" in life. Mine tends to be my consistent exposure to misunderstandings and disappointments with others. Sometimes I wonder, "am I the ONLY one" who is serving Christ with my whole heart? Where are all the other "Christians" who are willing to reject the norms of the culture and live a life that is contrary to popular belief?" Sometimes, we can feel like we're the only ones flying high...sometimes, we can honestly feel as if we're the only one flying at all.

In Daniel, the prophet records his experiences as a young man, where the pleasures of life were surrounding him and free for him to indulge and take part in. There were many young men from his homeland who didn't seem to mind participating in various affairs. But not Daniel. Scripture says that he chose not to "defile himself" (Daniel 1:8).

Those around him probably thought he was so extreme, or not realistic, but Daniel was willing to fly high for God. That is how I want to be. I want to be like Daniel: I want to live a life that is so closely reflectant of Christ, that no one would ever have any questions or any doubts about my commitment to Him. I want to make sure that my choices, my activities and my lifestyle is as far from the middle road as possible. At the end of the day, what does it matter if it's not pleasing Christ? And who do I think that I am to justify certain behaviors that I would not want to include Jesus in?


In our Christian society, people talk a lot about "conviction"; using the term as if to justify their own personal feelings towards one thing or another. But truly, our only conviction, as Christians, should be to live a life, based on scripture, such that others are drawn to Christ. If my choices and lifestyle are contrary to scripture, then my feelings are irrelevant. We must all consider the teachings of Paul, which are lead by the Holy Spirit:

"And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father."- Colossians 3:17

So I'd like to ask you this: are your deeds a representative of the Lord Jesus, or are they a representative of the culture, your friends or yourself? And if, indeed, you do have a heart for Christ, whose authority and influence are you navigating your choices by?

I hope we all humble ourselves enough to realize that this life for Jesus is not to be lived on our own terms, but on His. He continues to give us the power, through the Holy Spirit, to stand firm against temptations and activities that do not reflect His name. So the choice boils down to us: are we willing to Fly High for Jesus, even if that means flying all by ourselves? I hope we can all come to a place in our hearts, where we are willing to take such a challenge; just like Daniel. I hope we can all decide that our priority will always be to please our Savior and not our culture or our selves!

Something to think about...

~Pearls

CELEBRATING NOELLE!!!!!

Congratulations to Ms. Noelle... or should we say PRINCIPAL!!! She has just completed her cohort program and received her certificate in school administration. Noelle has been a successful elementary teacher with Guilford County Schools. She has her masters in education and now she has one more accomplishment to add to her list. She will begin her new career as an Assistant Principal next school year and we couldn't be more proud of her!
Noelle has also been a tremendous influence in our Bible Studies. Her love for the Lord is an inspiration for us all and we are excited for all God is doing in her life.
CONGRATULATIONS NOELLE!!!!!!!!

Ladies Luncheon!!!

When we first began to meet together, it was always my hope that we could build a community together, where encouragement, accountability and mentorship could thrive. I think, in our generation, we are easily exposed to so many ungodly examples from other women, it's easy to believe that this is the norm or that "I am the only one who is serious about Jesus". I lived much of my High School life this way, which is why I abandoned my relationship with the Lord in college. I was tired of being, "the only one".
The reality of the matter, however, is that there are hundreds of young women out there who also feel as if they are "the only one", so if all the "only ones" could come together, we would no longer feel apart and separated, rather we could gain strength together, in Jesus!

I was pleased to have 3 of my mentors join us for this very special event, in celebration of our ONE YEAR as an official Bible Study! We played games, had AMAZING FOOD, enjoyed sharing and learning from wiser, older women and just had a beautiful time with each other. This Luncheon, for me, was a success because I feel as if the vision and hope of creating a Christ centered community of women has become a reality. We may be small in number, but the potential of spiritual growth and encouragement has no boundaries!

*For more pictures, please visit the EVENTS page.*