This word is submitted by Barbara Paulus [rogers901@yahoo.com]

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                   Thorns and Roses

My children, you may be tempted to be bitter and complain about the
situations or places I place you in. But remember, even the most 
beautiful of roses have their thorns. To get to the beauty, you 
have to grow through stages and thorns, learning and perfecting 
your walk such as the case. 

Remember the three Hebrew children thrown in the fire. I was with 
them, and I brought them out as gold. Likewise, if you want to be 
the most beautiful and fragrant of roses--you must go through the thorns 
and dry spells. Bloom where you are planted.