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!!!!!!!!

Crazy Love, by Francis Chan

This week in our study, we are focusing on chapter three in "Crazy Love", by Francis Chan. I'm so excited for all of our ladies and for all the truths that we will learn. This study takes a personal view within our own hearts regarding how we are following the greatest commandment: Love God, Love Others.

Jesus said in Matthew 22: 36-40 that the greatest commandment is to“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind'. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." This seems easy, but the circumstances of life combined with our inherent disposition of being selfish creatures by nature, can be our greatest hindrance in obeying this truth from Christ. Sure, it's easy to dismiss our own faults and rely on an eternally loving God to forgive us of our sins, but what about us bestowing that same grace towards others who are just as faulty as we are? There is where the problem lies and there is where the challenge arises.

We are so excited to partake in this spiritual adventure! We know that with God's help and Chan's advice, we will learn, practice and grow in loving God and loving others- always being prayerful that our lives are being a bright witness for Christ! I hope you all will let the Lord do the same within you!

Enjoy the Journey!
~Pearls

Back At It!

After an ENTIRE MONTH off, we came back together last night for the introduction to our new Bible Study: Crazy Love, by Francis Chan!

Everyone seemed so excited to begin and the consensus declared that this study would be an intense look into our own hearts regarding our need (and sometimes lack) to love others, as God loves them. Honestly speaking, this can be a challenge, even for the strongest of us- to love, when it's not fair. But this is the call of Christ for every Believer and this will be the focus of our new study for the next 11 weeks.

 

 Loving God Means Loving Others!!!

I'm so excited to re-connect with all the girls for this new lesson, and I'm so happy, as well, for our new addition to the group! WELCOME NIYA!!!

Stay tuned for more updates from us!

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