Freelance writer Lupie Riley 

Thought: When we become children of God through the re-birth process (John 3:5,6,7) we are like diamonds in the rough. We will go through a series of cutting and polishing before we begin to shine. This process might involve the cutting out of previous lifestyles that were harmful to our growth in the Lord. A series of polishing follow with an abrasive powder and that could mean difficult times in our life that always make us depend on the Lord for strength and guidance. I'm in a period of one of those polishings with the loss of my husband and an adjustment from "we" to "me". Having to make all the decision for myself and entering into a different chapter in my life I am learning what it means to depend on the Lord.
The poem Footsteps in the Sand remind me that when I am at my weakest point Jesus will pick me up and carry me through the storm. As we go through the process of restoration into the person God planned for us there will be many polishings before we begin to shine bright like a diamond. In the rough we are precious in the sight of the Lord and he loves us as one of his very own children. He see's the future for us and knows the potential of each of his children and what kind of person we will become. We are like a newborn having yet to go through the stages of growth that move us towards maturity until we shine bright like the star's and are a service to the Lord.

Have you ever wondered what mineral compound is in the dust of the stars to make them shine and reflect the light of the sun? That compound within us is a person called Jesus. He is the light that emanates from our lives.
My mother once composed a poem about her children assigning different gems for each one. It goes like this:
                                               "MY JEWELS"
Most people count their riches in dollars, dimes, and cents, but I count mine as jewels, now really does this make sense? Because by all appearances, I haven't got a dime, but my seven gems will last me until the end of time. I have a perfect diamond, four rubies pure and bright, I also have three lovely pearls, you say that can't be right? But I will never trade them, for your silver or your gold, not even if I'm destitute, nor even when I'm old. For the diamond is my husband, a true and perfect one, then what of my four rubies, well really their my sons, and the lovely pearls I spoke of are my daughters pure and white, God gave me these jewels so perfect and I thank Him every night. Elsie Arroyo
We are God's diamonds in the rough and someday soon we will reach that point of brilliance as we see our Savior face to face. Maranatha

Prayer: Father God, you are my strength and comfort as you work me through the stages of restoration to become all that you want me to become. Teach me your ways Lord and help me to allow your light to shine through me.

Verse: Prov. 2:3,4,5 " Yes, if you want better insight and discernment and are searching for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure, then wisdom will be given you and knowledge of God himself; you will soon learn the importance of reverence for the Lord and of trusting Him."

Married 58 years, four children, nine grandchildren and three greats.  I've been a freelance writer for over 40 years.  Working on a book at the present.  My priorities are God first, family, country. Look me up on Google search by my name Lupie Riley, click on first link. Faithwriters.com