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

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                           Pearls

What are pearls made of? Pearls are formed when a piece of sand or 
other irritant wounds the oyster or clam. It secretes a substance 
that over the years and many layers harden into a beautiful, costly 
pearl. Which do you want to be - the irritant or the beautiful pearl? 
God sees us as more priceless than the costly pearl. Oh for His vision!

The more costly pearls are formed at deeper depths. God sends pearls 
into our lives via tears by family, friends and situations. If we did 
not cry getting us through the wounds, we would not grow and learn. 
How costly a pearl are you going to be?