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! :)

Shine Your Light!

Ok...First, let's start out by screaming a very hearty...  

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!!! 

I realize we are late... and many apologies for that. Most of the girls, including myself, had various festivities to engage in, as many of you did, I'm sure.

Did you enjoy the festivals, the cookouts and the crowds? What about the heat waves, the music and the pool? And did I mention the fireworks? How were those? Did they still captivate your attention and leave you with stars in your eyes, like when you were younger?
During my celebrations, I couldn't help but notice the looks on the faces of strangers, as they held their heads back to in full view of the sky, and I caught myself doing the exact same thing! What is it about those fireworks that always causes us to hold our breath with anticipation? It never fails: one color, on explosion one effect after another, calls crowds and crowds of people, young and old, to stop and stare and abandon themselves for even just a few moments. Nothing is so important, during a fireworks display. The "rat race" seems to quiet down, people are filled with a sigh of relief, hope, love, joy, appreciation, even tears can creep up in someone's eyes. It's so magical and awe-inspiring, and I'm left to think... "wow, that's how the world should feel whenever they find themselves around me!".

In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus declares that we are the light of the world. In other words, our lives are most definitely on display and should be lived in such a way that we draw attention to our God. My love for others should be neon! My patience and kindness should rocket across the room! My worship and humble spirit should ricochet from within me and God's truth should be splattered across my life for the world to see!

What about you? Consider your life... does the world see Jesus when they see you? Does the world hear Jesus when they talk to you? Can they see exciting, neon outbursts of giving or joy or compassion in your life?  If not, this week would be perfect to allow the Holy Spirit to do mighty works within you. Just ask Him with confidence, because that's exactly what He wants to do! Jesus saved you to put you on display for His glory! The whole world is just standing around, looking and waiting for a fireworks display in me and you... let's give them the best show ever and in the process, God will get all the glory and the praise!!!!

Love and Shine!
~Pearls