Five Painted Ladies!

We have watched our tiny little caterpillars bring the Very Hungry Caterpillar story to life! As we watched the teeny tiny little twigs go from larvae into fat chunky caterpillars, that looked like they would explode at anytime. Then waiting impatiently patiently, well some of us, a certain little four year old hasn't mastered patience yet, ;) we watched as they started to grow into the pupal stage and then hardened into chrysalids. Once this happens we put them in their special home. While in the cocoon they undergo a remarkable transformation. Before we knew it we had five beautiful butterflies! (Painted Ladies) I love watching butterflies. They are so delicate and beautiful as the gracefully flutter from one flower to to the next or sometimes just hover over a plant. They remind me of the transformation that takes place in us when we ask Jesus into our hearts. He starts an incredible work in our hearts,
changing us from the inside out.


Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,
he is a new creation; old things have passed
away; behold, all things have become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17. 


The Lord starts the amazing process of working in our
hearts changing us from the inside out.  We now are
a work in progress....


Being confident of this, that
He who began a good work in you will carry it on
to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 
Philippians  1:6  

It is a struggle as the butterfly works its way out of the cocoon. Yet at the same time this is the way that God uses to strengthen the butterfly so it can fly. God uses struggles and various trials to grow and strengthen us in Him.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers,

whenever you face trials of many kinds,

because you know that the testing of your 

faith develops perseverance.

  James 1:2-3

                                                                                                                                 

    I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13 

Except we won't flutter away like a butterfly......

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles:

They will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31

The very same day Sarah shared what she had been taught about God.

 Our butterflies were working their way out of their cocoons. I was able

to share a little with her.

 

I know it is hard for Sarah to understand how real and loving our God is. She was told for all her life that He is a myth and a fairy tale. Also she was taught evolution, which is very big in China. We will continue reading our children's Chinese/English and NIV Chinese/English Bible and her special book on God's Attributes. I know she enjoyed spending most of last week at our the Pastors/Leaders Conference. She really loved the worship music. So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to me void. 

Isaiah 55:11