I hope you all had a happy Mother’s Day! Mine included church, Italian food, hugs and kisses from kids and grandkids (and puppies), family, friends, tulips, sunshine, yard darts and bbq!
This is #40 in a series of 52 posts on the wonderful pearl ~ ways to repurpose it, facts about it, and even a few appearances in holy scripture. Yes the beloved pearl made its way into a few Bible verses, one of which I wrote about here. Today I want to look at another well known reference, the pearly gates.
Did you know that the Bible scripture where this phrase came from actually says that each gate is made of one giant pearl? “The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl.” Rev. 21:21 Now that’s a big pearl, I’d like to see the oyster that produced it!
I’ve rounded up some amazing gates to show you. Although none of them can rival the beauty of the 12 pearl gates and the promise of what awaits us there, I wouldn’t mind coming home to any one of these at our earthly home.
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I never cease to be amazed at God’s creation. Just think about how a pearl is formed:
A natural pearl begins its life inside an oyster’s shell when an intruder, such as a grain of sand or bit of floating food, slips in between one of the two shells of the oyster and the protective layer that covers the mollusk’s organs, called the mantle.
In order to protect itself from irritation, the oyster will quickly begin covering the uninvited visitor with layers of nacre — the mineral substance that fashions the mollusk’s shells. Layer upon layer of nacre, also known as mother-of-pearl, coat the grain of sand until the iridescent gem is formed.
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It’s sort of like in our lives. Uninvited hardships, pain and unpleasant circumstances, if allowed to, will bring about something beautiful. If we can choose to trust God with every irritant or intruder of our peace, coating them with layer upon layer of prayer and thanksgiving, we just might be amazed at the beauty that emerges. So the next time you are faced with something difficult, remember the oyster and you’ll be happy as a clam :).
I hope you’ll come back Wednesday for Drop It or Swap It! Here’s a peek at what I’ll be swapping:
Next week’s pearl post hint: No time like the present
Talk soon,
Ann
Linking with: Savvy Southern Style,The 36th Avenue, No Minimalist Here, Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson,The Scoop, Mod Vintage Life, Between Naps on the Porch, From My Front Porch to Yours, Cozy Little House, Knick of Time, A Stroll Thru Life, Ivy and Elephants, Jennifer Rizzo, Style Elixir, Shabby Art Boutique, Cheerios and Lattes, Reasons To Skip The Housework, Classy Clutter, French Country Cottage, C.R.A.F.T. Monday Funday , VMG206, Bacon Time with the Hungry Hypo
I am in love with this post my friend. You have no clue how timely this is right now! Oh I can’t wait till one day I see the gates that await me in heaven. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
I’m so glad the post spoke to you Cindy. Thank you for letting me know. Hugs!
That was beautiful, Ann! Loved seeing those awesome gates and imagining what heaven’s gates will be like. Interesting about how the oyster makes the pearl. I learned something new there. Thanks…and big hugs to you..
Joyce
Thank you so much Joyce! I was really happy when I saw that you are now getting my updates! Big hugs right back!
I love the metaphor of turning a hardship into a pearl. Wonderful! The gates are quite spectacular. I may have to pin all of them!
Thanks for your kind words Donna! Happy pinning!
Wow that really touched me, the comparison between ourselves and the grain of sand that can become something beautiful!
Thank you Heather! Enjoy your day!
Oh those are all so truly lovely. I would love to find an old gate someday. Thanx for coming to party at THT Ann!
Thank you Pamela! Enjoy your week!
You my dear are a pearl with a message, bless you sweetly.
Love your pearly gates.
Such inspiration in your words, scripture.
Blessings
Xx
I will return
Dore
Thank you for your very sweet, sweet words Dore. Your message greeted me first thing this morning ~ what a beautiful way to start my day!
Love your sweet message Ann and you know how much I adore those gates! Heavens gate must be the most gorgeous of all! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann