Sunday Inspiration

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A little Sunday inspiration:

"Our Heavenly Father did not put us on the earth to fail but to succeed gloriously. It may seem paradoxical, but that is why recognizing answers to prayers can sometimes be very difficult.  Some face life with only their own experience and capacity to help them.  Others seek, through prayer, divine inspiration to know what to do. When required, they qualify for power beyond their own capacity to do it."
In John 5:30 it teaches that we, by ourselves, can "do nothing" unless we seek the will of our Father. "Now, what we want is to have that spirit in every act of our lives and in every undertaking, whether temporal or spiritual, and not think of self."
We discussed this in church today and I was very touched by these words. It is so hard sometimes to put our trust in God and let his will be done. There was a story told called The Pearl Necklace:

The cheerful girl with bouncy golden curls was almost five. Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them: a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box.

"Oh please, Mommy. Can I have them? Please, Mommy, please!"
Quickly the mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the pleading blue eyes of her little girl's upturned face.
"A dollar ninety-five. That's almost $2.00. If you really want them, I'll think of some extra chores for you and in no time you can save enough money to buy them for yourself. Your birthday's only a week away and you might get another crisp dollar bill from Grandma."
As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her penny bank and counted out 17 pennies. After dinner, she did more than her share of chores and she went to the neighbor and asked Mrs. McJames if she could pick dandelions for ten cents.
On her birthday, Grandma did give her another new dollar bill and at last she had enough money to buy the necklace.
Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown up. She wore them everywhere--Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bubble bath. Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green.
Jenny had a very loving daddy and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story. One night when he finished the story, he asked Jenny, "Do you love me?"
"Oh yes, Daddy. You know that I love you."
"Then give me your pearls."
"Oh, Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess--the white horse from my collection. The one with the pink tail. Remember, Daddy? The one you gave me. She's my favorite."
"That's okay, Honey. Daddy loves you. Good night." And he brushed her cheek with a kiss.
About a week later, after the story time, Jenny's daddy asked again, "Do you love me?"
"Daddy, you know I love you."
"Then give me your pearls."
"Oh Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my babydoll. The brand new one I got for my birthday. She is so beautiful and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper."
"That's okay. Sleep well. God bless you, little one. Daddy loves you." And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss.
A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian-style. As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek.
"What is it, Jenny? What's the matter?"
Jenny didn't say anything but lifted her little hand up to her daddy. And when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little quiver,she finally said, "Here, Daddy. It's for you."
With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny's kind daddy reached out with one hand to take the dime-store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny.

He had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the dime-store stuff so he could give her genuine treasure.
What are you hanging on to?

I loved this story so much because it shows that maybe we need to give up something we think is great and wonderful for us so that God can bless us with something better. He knows what we need in our lives, we just need to put all our faith in Him.

I hope you all have a marvelous week.

Beijos!

Comments

  1. I was just looking at a skirt like this that was very similar in People Stylewatch and wanted it. You look amazing, your colors and photos always inspire me:)

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  2. such a pretty look.

    xxoo,
    nikki

    www.dreaminneon.blogspot.com

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  3. i love your outfit and everything about it!
    :)

    emily

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  4. What gorgeous words shared, Brandi. Thanks for posting this! I love the pearl necklace story - it's a beautiful illustration :)
    Great outfit, as well!
    -Carley
    xx

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  5. love this story.

    and i love your outfit.

    K

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  6. Cute outfit, and beautiful thoughts. :)

    xo,

    Ana Paula

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  7. these photos are gorgeous and i adore your style! you remind me of jennifer anniston!


    http://supposeishouldblog.blogspot.ca/

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  8. Thanks for sharing that story, it has really touched me. I love that allegory.

    www.TheRosettePortrait.blogspot.com

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  9. A beautiful sentiment... I'm glad I read this tonight.

    xox
    Bailey

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You just made my day! Let me know if you're a new visitor or a new follower...I'd love to check out your blog! Hey, and I also speak Portuguese and a little Spanish! Beijos!!