This is a deep one for today....we have definately had our struggles going on this week (one child with fevers and another with bronchitis, pnemonia, and a double ear infection....which means no sleep), but as I have many things swirling around me, I have been thinking about those suffering for Christ.  We live in such a bubble of bliss in America.  My world is surely a protected one.  I often think of people in other countries and what they go through.  I wonder if they are able to speak of Christ freely, sing His praises, create pretty websites and shout of His glories in their lives, or go to places of worship.  I have had a heart for people that are hurting in other countries, people who either have not heard the good news, or who love Jesus, and need help.  Just recently I have been flooded with information of people who desperately need our prayers.  When I go to church and encounter relationship difficulties, I think of how the body of Christ in China responds when they see a fellow believer.  How petty our strained relationships can be.  I can be such a selfish person, and think of me and mine.  I pray that God can deliver me to be a person to "see" more of the hurting, and to pray beyond my walls.  I came across a poem and it was just beautiful, and soul stirring. 

Jewelry for Jesus

I have a Christian sister who lives across the sea.

She wears jewelry for Jesus an example to you and me.

Instead of diamonds on her neck, my sister dons a metal shackle.

Instead of rubies on her wrists, my sister wears bracelets of iron.

Instead of jewels on her feet, my sister drags balls of steel.

She carries her jewelry around with love and joy she's found, with peace that passes understanding, with love that presses on.

She carries her jewelry around with patience that knows no bounds, with kindness given from heav'n above, with goodness that comes from God's Holy Son.

She carries her jewelry around with faith that men astounds, with gentleness that stands firm, with self control that lasts.

My sister carries her jewelry around with help from a loving Master, a joyful King, a peaceful Shepherd, a helpful Savior, a patient God.

My sister carries her jewelry around with help from a perfect God, a faithful Servant, a gentle Lord, an all-present Friend, an all-watching Love.

My sister carries her jewelry with Jesus! http://www.persecution.com/basic/index.cfm                                                               Alyse Lapish, Age 14

http://www.persecution.com/ --Voice of the Martyrs

www.linkingup.com  --Kids of Courage through Voice of the Martyrs

That is my heart today, and all I can say is that He is truly beautiful to me..Melissa