Pearls are one of my favorite gems. They are pretty, elegant, and feminine. I have several in the form of earrings and necklaces. Some white, some pink. I also love my Pearl of Great Price. The Bible talks about  “the kingdom of heaven (being) like a man who is a dealer in search of fine and precious pearls, who, on finding a single pearl of great price, went and sold all he had and bought it.” (Matthew 13.45-46.) God is the Pearl in this story and, I too, would let go of everything I own if needed to to know and obey God.  

I am convinced that people who do not know God, or about God in a personal way, have the conception that God is a ‘kill-joy’ and means only to take away from them to make them something they do not want to be at all. In fact, sometimes, I think people see God as hating what they are and wanting them to be something completely different. I don’t think so and I think God made each of us special and loves us more than we can comprehend. He only hates the things that hurt us. The real you is what He wants you to be and we can only be that when we experience the paradox of losing ourselves to Him to find our true selves. At times I did not see the ‘broken’ me as something that needed fixed or healed by God.

Many, many years ago, (sad to admit this) there was a television show called, “To Tell the Truth.” There were three contestants – one was the ‘real’ person the other two pretended to be. The players asked questions to determine who was ‘real’ person and who was pretending. The identity of the ‘real’ person was hidden until the players guessed who they felt the ‘real’ person was of the three. After the votes were in, the host of the show would say, ‘will the real …. please stand up.’ Then the real party would stand.

Sometimes I ask, “Will the REAL God please stand up.” At times in life, I have had an incorrect image of God. Often, I asked myself, ‘Who is this King of Glory?’
Is He a harsh taskmaster – like Pharoah – telling me to make bricks, make more bricks, make bricks without straw?
Is He a frightening being – just waiting to send fire and brimstone down to Earth and on me for making the same mistake over and over?
Is He a loving God Who is always there waiting to show me new ways He has to comfort and take care of me and love me unconditionally?                                                        Is He dependable? Trustworthy?                                                                                                                Is He the God Who can do anything and wants to do everything for me?

Who is He? Big question.

When I was a little girl, my mom took me to church. The church was big and everyone sang to organ music. I remember sitting in the pew looking up at the high ceilings, stained glass windows, and all the pictures and statues in the church. The whole atmosphere made me think God was big and stern and distant and unconcerned. He did not seem like the kind of Being I could tell all my inner thoughts and needs to. He was Someone I didn’t think I would like to get to know. Sadly, this is how I viewed Him.

I was told that sometimes we don’t see God as “He” is, we see Him as “we” are. I saw Him from a broken heart. Now I see Him much differently, I think I see Him more like He is- faithful, loving, dependable, just, and Holy. I am thankful for the change in seeing Him a little more clearly. I strive to know the ‘real’ Him better each day.

Our perception of God is important because it determines how we approach Him. If He is “Abba (Daddy) Father,” then we approach him as a small child approaches a kind and gentle father by crawling into his lap and expecting to be held and protected. If He is a harsh God, then it is difficult if not impossible for us to approach the Throne of Grace to find mercy and help in time of need. (Hebrews 4.16) If we find Him undependable, then we continue to trust in ourselves and our own abilities to figure out situations in life.

Who is He to you?

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There are over 300 different hummingbirds, over 2,000 different starfish in the ocean, over 300 different turtles, and many other different types of animals and fish and birds. Interesting and awesome as that is, there is only 1 you – 1 unique and wonderful you.

And God knows everything about you. He counts the number of hairs on your head (Luke 12.7), each day He thinks of you more times than sand particles on the beach (Psalm 139.18), died for you so you could be with Him in heaven(John 3.16), and is your Guide (Psalm 48.14), Teacher (Isaiah 30.20), and Healer (Exodus 15.26). Our Healer. Not only do some struggle with physical disorders, many struggle with deep hurts that cause sadness, addictions, compulsions, and more difficulties. God understands how this affects us because He said, “A merry heart is like good medicine, but a wounded spirit, who can bear that?” (Proverbs 17.22)

I have met many people who I know were hurt very deeply in life. I have been puzzled for years wondering why they do not ask God to heal those hurts. I experienced very deep hurts myself and availed myself to healing. A few people have honestly shared that they worry perhaps God will not heal them. I know one in particular felt if God did not heal him, he really would be doomed. I watched him suffer with low self-esteem, fear of success, depression, and other afflictions.

I believe Jesus died for each and every hurt and struggle and suffering we experience. The Bible tells us that we have a High Priest Who is touched with the feeling of our infirmity (any weakness, pain, inability to cope, etc) so we can boldly go to Him and find help in our time of need. (Hebrews 4.15-16) Sometimes I think we think God only heals one way. This is not true. As a matter of fact, He healed in many ways. For instance,

Sometimes He touched the person ( Mark 1.41),

Sometimes the person touched Him (Mark 5.24-34),

Sometimes He just spoke the Word (Luke 7.7) and commanded healing,

Sometimes He healed on the Sabbath (Luke 13.14),

Sometimes He spit on the ground to make mud and put the mud on the blind man’s eyes (John 9.6),

Sometimes He shouted with a loud voice (John 11.43) and called Lazarus from the dead,

Jesus even healed the man’s ear who was coming to arrest Him and crucify Him that Peter cut off with a sword (Luke 22.51).

Our Maker knows how to heal us. He sent His Word to heal us. (Psalm 107.20) and promised beauty for ashes (Isaiah 61.3). He may choose a way to heal us that is not just like He used to heal someone else, but the end result is healing. God’s Word is filled with healing and restoration and reconciliation throughout. He does not want us to be without knowledge because He tells us {His} people perish for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4.6) and He has give us His Spirit to lead us into truth (John 16.13) – the truth about what’s wrong and needs the touch of the Father. He leads us to the truth that sets us free (John 8.32). It is the lies we believe that kill us – the lies that we are defective, unworthy, cannot be healed, etc. Whatever the lie is, it is not from the Father of all Truth, it is from our enemy.

If we ask Him, He will show us our broken and hurt places, touch them, allow us to forgive the ones who hurt us, and heal us. He promises. What if He doesn’t? I don’t know. What if He does? It is worth going to Him for help. I believe the biggest miracle God does is heal a heart. He is still in the miracle business today.

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It is Spring again! I was born in and lived in the Northern states for most of my life. I always heard how people ‘loved the change of seasons.’ I do not think I ever loved the frozen unpredictable winters in the North. Nevertheless, I have experienced the strange, but true, fact that there is no real difference in the seasons in Florida. It is perpetually summer. A little cooler and less humid at times, however, mostly shorts, tanks, and flip flop weather. The flowers do not die. I never saw this as a problem since I like summer, but we can never tell what season it is. Only the shortening of the days gives a hint of Winter. Nature knows the seasons though.

One time, several Springs ago, my mother and I were walking a path in a nearby refuge. All of the sudden, we came upon the most beautiful site I have ever seen! A couple of Sand Hill Cranes were strolling along the path with a little yellow baby walking between them. As we passed, we did our ‘baby’ talk to everyone as the birds let us continue on. I regret I did not have a camera with me. There have been so many times I have been without a camera. Manatees came along in rivers I was walking by or kayaking on, an eagle landed on Daytona Beach while I was within camera distance, otters played in a little river, armadillos rooted in leaves along a path at Blue Springs State Park, a Wood Crane, gopher turtles trucking down the road, and many other sites I only have the incredible memories locked into my brain to cherish, but, sad to report, no pictures on my Nikon camera.

One of the signs that it is Spring again is the presence of the babies. This Spring, I set out with a mission to locate and take pictures of a family of Sand Hill Cranes. I hoped to have the same good fortune to see a family walking along the path again, so, outfitted with walking shoes and my camera, my good friend and I went to see if we would spot a photogenic family. No luck. Discouraged, I concluded that I only saw beautiful sites if I did not have my camera.

Then, a day later, while driving on a busy two lane to my brother’s home, WHAT DO MY WONDERING EYES BEHOLD? Eight tiny legs- 4 tinier than their parents- were a mom and dad Sand Hill Crane with – not one- but two – babies!!!! Yes, I slammed on the breaks, pulled over, tried to back up- didn’t go well- got out of my truck with little regard for the potential danger from oncoming vehicles, and shuffled my way to the family- WITH my Nikon camera in hand. They saw me and walked the other direction. I could not believe it! I called them to tell them the picture would be better if they walked my way. They disregarded my pleas. Without shame, I continued to try to get them to pose. Then, a couple very nice ladies saw me and the birds. They wanted a coveted photo, so they pulled over, interfering with traffic behind them- but who cares when the perfect photo is at stake-and they were able to get a photo of the family coming their way. This family was not having any of it though. Didn’t they know how lovely they are and how precious a photo would be? They began to turn and come my way!! Excited, I began to focus my camera, but they didn’t want to be by me either, so they ducked into the woods that bordered the road. Being the photographer I am, I began to follow them to try to get a photo. Then, the dad positioned himself between me and the rest of the family. He gave a warning coo- sounds like a wood pecker pecking wood. I assured him I was a friend and just wanted a picture. He assured me he would be forced into action if I did not retreat.

I didn’t get my prized photo yet like the one in this blog, but it’s still Spring! and my hopes are still high that I can snap the best pictures of these lovely creatures. Wish me luck! Remember to always take your camera.

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Many times in life I have been in a position to choose to forgive those who have hurt me in some way or hold a grudge. To be honest, sometimes I find myself wishing the ‘bad’ people would ‘get theirs.’ Always been told ‘what goes around comes around.’ Sometimes it surprises me how angry I am to be hurt and would be happy if ‘not so nice things’ happen to my offenders. After a time of self pity, I realize that is not what’s best for me and I don’t want to be the type of person who wishes harm to others.

Jesus reminds me how He leads the way for us, as always. Easter may be over, but the greatness of that day remains every day. On that day so many years ago, after they beat Him, spit on Him, pulled His beard, took His clothes off and mocked Him, shoved a crown of thorns on His head and nailed Him to a Cross- and from that Cross- where He is in agonizing pain, bleeding profusely, balancing Himself on nails He was attached to that Cross with, and dying for the sins of the world, He asks God to ‘forgive His torture-ers because they did not know what we were doing,’ (Luke 23.34) as they gambled to see who get His perfect seamless clothing.

I believe that many times my offenders do not know what they are doing. I am not certain, but I would hope that if they really knew the injury they were causing- whether it is physical harm, job loss, property loss, mocking, or any other hurt – they would not continue to harm me or others. Even if they do mean me harm, just as Jesus did, I am still instructed to forgive. Daily God forgives  me- for thinking unkind things, for not having faith, for ignoring Him, for trying to find my own way out of difficulties- taking my faith in vain- for treating the Holy as mundane and ordinary – when I need to pray for the awe that God deserves each and every day, for all the times I wish bad things to happen to the ones who hurt me… and on and on the list goes. He forgives me because I have no idea what I am doing at times. He even forgives me when I do know I am doing something wrong.

Forgiveness never makes what happened okay. Hurts and offenses will always come. Forgiveness allows me to heal and be free of the burden and hardship grudges bring. Selfishly, forgiveness is for me. It comes when I realize all I have been forgiven and I stop ‘collecting debts’ from others who do me wrong and forgive them because I realize how much I am forgiven. 1 Cross + 3 nails = 4 given.

All I have to do when I feel my hurt is look to the Man Who died for that hurt and the Divine example He showed me on that day- He forgave unspeakable offenses and really really meant it. He prayed for God to forgive them and me, too. He did so, not because He was told to, but because He wanted to.

Father, please help us forgive others as you have forgiven us.

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Sometimes I am confident and know exactly where I am going in life and how I want to get there. Directions are clear and I am on my way. Sometimes, however, I feel I wander aimlessly. No matter how hard I try, I cannot make decisions or decide which road to take.

Sometimes my preoccupation with the cares and stresses of life cause me to drift along my path and away from my close relationship to and with the God I love. Work and family and farm life and trying to rearrange my career goals distract me from Him. These times are always empty for me. I am not meant to be far from God. My very life depends on my connection with Him. When I feel distant from God, Something deep inside makes me realize He has never left me and I feel Something calling me back to Him. I make haste to again became a pilgrim on a road back to my close encounters with God. Even in the midst of confusion about life’s direction at times, the one thing I am sure of is having a heart that sincerely wants to ‘Go with God.’

It is my sincere desire for “(God) to imprint His laws upon my mind, even upon my inner most thoughts and understanding, and engrave them upon my heart, and (for Him to) be my God and me His child.” (Hebrews 8.10).   I want “it to not be necessary for others to teach me for I will know Him myself…” (Hebrews 8.11).

The children of Israel were frightened by God and did not want to hear from Him directly, but asked Moses to hear from Him and tell them what He said. (Exodus 20.19). I always wanted  – and want now – to hear from Him directly. He promised to teach us, talk to us, walk with us, be with us. What a thrill! I want the complete experience.

While comparing versions of the Bible, the New International Versions tells us in Psalm 84.5 “Blessed are those whose strength is in (God), who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.” My amplified Bible for this verse states, “Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man whose strength is in (God), in whose heart are the highways to Zion.” A little note I added in the margin of my Bible reminds me, “the road to Zion is in my heart.” The road to Zion- the city of our God – where we meet with the God of the Universe- is in our hearts.

While it is true, on occasion, my heart has wandered in life, His grace has always grabbed me again and again. I strive to always have my life on track with the God I love, navigating between the ditches of life with the One Who guides every step, opens every door, provides for every need, teaches me everything. Our hearts’ pilgrimage are in His hands. We are being pursued by the God Who loves us. Make the road to Zion a determined path in your life to God.

Easter will be celebrated soon. The road to Zion is possible because of the Road to Calvary by our Savior.

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I understand the Bible tells us not to fear 365 times. It is the most common ‘command’ in the Bible. Some say that it is one reminder each day of the year to ‘not fear.’ Why is it so hard to trust? I shouldn’t have, but I chuckled as I recently reviewed a journal entry from many years ago. I think I have come a little way along this journey of faith from where I was.

My journal entry referenced the verse 1 John 4.18:
“…. ‘fear has torment.’ What was it I feared?
I feared not getting better. I feared financial demise. I feared loneliness. I feared God would give up on me. I feared all the things I faced in life were too big for Him. I feared I did not have enough faith. I feared I would fail Him. I feared my fear. I feared my anger. I feared disappointing Him. I feared the future. I feared loss. I feared things I could never control. I feared. I feared. I feared-and I did have torment.

1 John 4.18 also says, ‘there is no fear in love – dread does not exist, perfect love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror!’

The wonderful truth is that God loves us. The bottom line was and is that all I could count on for sure is Jesus and His Word. If I truly believed what God’s Word says, there is no reason to fear. He is perfect Love and never fails us. How do we come to realize this everlasting love? (Jeremiah 31.3)

‘I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart and understanding may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at his right hand in the heavenly realms..’ (Ephesians 1.17-20) I pray this because when this becomes real inside of us, we will not fear.

Just as Jesus showed His scars to His disciples in John 20.19-20,       “…though the disciples were behind closed doors for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, Peace to you!…He showed them His hands and His side,” He shows His scars to me- the price He paid for my peace, my restoration, my provision, my answers to prayers, my favor, my success, my beloved relationship with Him, my deliverance, my happiness, and more.

This poem sums it up:

Said the Robin to the Sparrow,
“I would really like to know
Why these anxious human beings
Rush about and worry so.”
Said the Sparrow to the Robin,
“Friend, I think that it must be,
That they have no Heavenly Father
Such as cares for you and me.”

We do have a Heavenly Father, such as cares for the sparrows. ‘Don’t be afraid, because you are move valuable than many sparrows.’   Matthew 10.31.

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