Welcome family and friends to Heartstrings

There is not a day that goes by when we are not seen or heard by the Heavenly Father. There is nothing that escapes His notice. After all, He created you and I. You may know this, but do you believe with your heart?

The last week I have been grieving the loss of my earthly father. I am assured I will see him again in glory. He is living now better than any other time in his life here. Rejoicing, dancing and singing songs of redemption! He loved gardens so I picture him walking hand in hand with Jesus in a beautiful garden made by God. What joy! 

Each day the Holy Spirit has directed me to another portion of scripture without me even having to search. Where ever I am in my devotions early morning, He has something special for me. Never have I felt the presence of the Lord as at this time when in my flesh I feel so vulnerable. The tears, like waves sweep over me at times I least expect them. All the while, peace has sustained me. 

I am not knowledgeable about most things so bear with me. One morning before the sun came up I woke thinking about pearls. How they are made. How do I say this? You know the grit sand feels like? It only takes one grain of sand to start forming a pearl in the muscle of the clam. If I were to break open the shell, clean away the matter inside and find a pearl I think my heart would be overjoyed! Wouldn't yours? 

In thinking about this picture I could see how important the breaking of the shell, prying it apart is sorta like my tough exterior. The places of my heart closed off from the hand of the Lord. There is the tender meat within. The washing. And there you go...a treasure inside. Not always though will there be a pearl. But, the Lord spoke tenderly to me that I was His pearl. Worth so much.

As I thought further and read about the temple of the Lord and how pearl was in that magnificent building, I realized how precious it really is. If God can see the beauty and the priceless value in that, then why not in me? Or you for that matter.

Grieving, I am learning is a process. A truly priceless washing with tears. While sitting beside a loved one, my husband, children and grandchildren I am sensing a new kind of love for them. It has to do with time. Every moment we have is up to the Father. But, we choose how we will live those moments.

I have found hope in God's Word. Romans 15:13 has become an anchor for my soul. "May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing with hope."

Jesus spoke tender words that He would never leave us or forsake us. He said to not be dismayed or troubled, anxious or full of worry. Only believe. What is He speaking to your heart today? Do you know Him? Time is short. 

Whether flood, drought, storms or terror, corrupt government, false witnesses, nothing can separate us from His love! Do you believe this?

I will leave you with this. Know that you are in my prayers. Trust God for all you need and love Him with all your heart. Make Jesus Lord of your life. God bless you in the matchless name of Jesus, amen.

Habakkuk 3:17 says, "Though the fig tree does not blossom and there is no fruit on the vines, [though] the product of the olive fails and the fields yield no food, though the flock is cut off from the fold and there are no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the [victorious] God of my salvation! The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds' feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]!" 

When I read this, it is so timely for us today. Be strong and courageous because soon the trumpet of the Lord will sound and we who are His and know His name will be united with Him! Amen.

Abundance is...I am His pearl