String of Pearls

What a gorgeous fall day! The dimensions and vast arrays of colors are stunning. I have always LOVED this time of year.

Colorful fall leaves remind me that it is when we die to ourselves that true beauty can be revealed and that even after physical death - there is MORE.

I received the heart wrenching news yesterday that a precious and highly anticipated baby was still born. The first time mother was days away from her due date and felt playful kicks up until the day before her baby was born. She had gone to her last OB appointment and the heartbeat could not be found. They induced and several hours later this family got to meet their precious 7 lb baby "Grace." But they had to meet and say goodbye almost in one breath.

There simply are not words for this kind of loss. But it has been such a testimony of God's faithfulness, grace and peace that He offers His children. "Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4; (Jesus Said:) "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:2

They are not alone in this journey. Sadly, many have had to walk similar paths. You may have noticed the new link on the side of my blog "String of Pearls." It is a ministry that has been birthed out of similar loss and pain. God has planted hope and healing within their lives and they walk with families into the valley. Weep with them, allow them to grieve among those who deeply understand, and help point them to Christ so they too can experience the hope and healing needed to climb back up the slope out of the valley and into the new buds of spring that God has been cultivating within them during the long cold months of winter.

Heather and Jeff (and their families) have found themselves in the deepest parts of the valley right now, but thankfully they know the hope of Jesus Christ. (Some of the richest green is found in the valleys.) Please pray for them. They need brothers and sisters in Christ to be holding them up. If you would like to help in a "hands on" kind of way, please e-mail me at ateachableheart@gmail.com. If you would like to support the ministry of "String of Pearls," you can click on the links or their picture on the side of my blog and be directly connected to their website.

God's Peace to You~