METAMORPHOSIS - All of us have a passion that determines and fuels our dream. It all starts with the egg. In the cocoon stage, the caterpillar undergoes a a metamorphosis. It becomes something completely new and different. Our dream develops in us the same way. The gossamer butterfly, long known as the symbol of resurrection, emerges from its temporary cocoon-home and gracefully wafts it way heavenward. The development of our dream is like that as it moves from the first thought (egg) to the final realization (butterfly). We hear, we learn, we transform and then we emerge. After a period of incubation our dream will become a reality - it is God’s design - “We each had a dream in one night, he and I. Each of us dreamed according to the interpretation of his own dream.” You have a dream. I have a dream. What is it? Is it a thing in our minds that we want? A desire in our hearts? All of us have a passion that determines and fuels our dream. Think with me for a moment about what must transpire for a beautiful butterfly to emerge strong and free from its former not-so-beautiful state. It all starts with the egg. The same is true of our dream: it begins with the egg. This is a thought of what we really want, that thing that makes us feel completely alive and gives us much joy. It is something that lines up with our gifts and talents.

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Metamorphosis

After a period of incubation our dream will become a reality - it is God’s design

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All of us have a passion that determines and fuels our dream. It all starts with the egg. In the cocoon stage, the caterpillar undergoes a a metamorphosis. It becomes something completely new and different. Our dream develops in us the same way. The gossamer butterfly, long known as the symbol of resurrection, emerges from its temporary cocoon-home and gracefully wafts it way heavenward. The development of our dream is like that as it moves from the first thought (egg) to the final realization (butterfly). We hear, we learn, we transform and then we emerge. After a period of incubation our dream will become a reality - it is God’s design

listenandprosper.com

 

“We each had a dream in one night, he and I. Each of us dreamed according to the interpretation of his own dream.” - Genesis 41:11

 

You have a dream.

I have a dream.

What is it?

Is it a thing in our minds that we want?

A desire in our hearts?

All of us have a passion that determines and fuels our dream.

Think with me for a moment about what must transpire for a beautiful butterfly to emerge strong and free from its former not-so-beautiful state.

It all starts with the egg.

The same is true of our dream: it begins with the egg.

This is a thought of what we really want, that thing that makes us feel completely alive and gives us much joy.

It is something that lines up with our gifts and talents. All that the thought (egg) does is sit there and grow.

After some days a caterpillar breaks open the shell and sheds the egg.

What does the caterpillar do once out of the egg?

It eats! With a voracious appetite, it consumes mass quantities of food as its whole job now is to grow.

Likewise, when our thought (egg) develops to the caterpillar (growing) stage, we must feed it with all of the knowledge and training that we can possibly acquire.

We read books, take classes, attend seminars, study, study, and study some more.

Just like that little caterpillar, as we eat, we grow, and we gain strength.

When the caterpillar has gained sufficient size and strength, it spins a cocoon all around itself where it will incubate safely for a while, secure from any outside harm or influence.

While in the cocoon stage, the caterpillar undergoes a major transformation and a metamorphosis occurs.

It becomes something completely new and different as everything in its life up to this point blends together to form the final result.

Our dream develops in us the same way.

All our gifts, talents, desires, knowledge, and training come into play to make us totally new and prepared for the manifestation of our dream.

Prayer:

“Lord Jesus, thank you for the beautiful example of the metamorphosis of the butterfly. That is so like the transformation that happens to us when we open our heart and invite You to live there. We will meditate on this process.”

In Jesus’ Mighty Name,

AMEN!

Final Thoughts:

We know what comes next.

The gossamer butterfly, long known as the symbol of resurrection, emerges from its temporary cocoon-home and gracefully wafts it way heavenward.

The development of our dream is like that as it moves from the first thought (egg) to the final realization (butterfly).

We hear, we learn, we transform and then we emerge.

It is true in the physical and in the spiritual.

So, let’s meditate on the egg and then gorge ourselves on the things that will bring about the dream.

After a period of incubation our dream will become a reality. It is God’s design.

Be Greatly Blessed!

https://listenandprosper.com/metomorphosis/

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I Have A Dream 

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Cristy Lane

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https://puricarechronicles.blogspot.com/2018/06/i-have-dream-cristy-lane-i-believe-in.html

ELUSIVE JOY - A Quest Worth Making - The only place to find lasting joy is in the presence of the Lord - your circumstances may bounce up and down like a yo-yo, but your joy can be steadfast because of Jesus’ joy within you. The apostle Paul could writes, “Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS” - his joy wasn’t based on his circumstances, for he was writing these words from a prison cell - Why do so many believers struggle to live in the joy of the Lord? inding joy is like trying to catch a butterfly. No matter how hard they try, the butterfly seems to evade their grasp. Joy is a wonderful healing agent for your physical and emotional health. Regardless of how things may be going in your outward circumstances today, if you’re feasting on the Lord’s joy, you’ll always have an internal supply of sustenance. In a world that puts far too much emphasis on physical beauty, a joyful face is one of the very best ways you can stand out from the crowd. On days when your human strength seems depleted, God’s supernatural joy can revitalize you with new energy. When Christ lives in your heart, joy is a fruit of His Spirit, part of your birthright as a child of God. Although we’ve all had times when God’s joy seemed a distant memory, we can pray the same prayer King David once prayed: “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation.” When you come to the Lord with a contrite heart, as David did, you can be confident He will answer that prayer!

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Elusive Joy

A Quest Worth Making

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The only place to find lasting joy is in the presence of the Lord - your circumstances may bounce up and down like a yo-yo, but your joy can be steadfast because of Jesus’ joy within you. No wonder the apostle Paul could write, “Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS” - he knew his joy wasn’t based on his circumstances, for he was writing these words from a prison cell

by David Cerullo

Why do so many believers struggle to live in the joy of the Lord?

For such people, finding joy is like trying to catch a butterfly. No matter how hard they try, the butterfly seems to evade their grasp.

In a moment, I’ll give you my #1 reason why many people are missing out on a joy-filled life.

But first I want to highlight some of the Bible’s promises about the amazing benefits you can experience from having God’s joy in your life:

Healing

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22 NASB).

Joy is a wonderful healing agent for your physical and emotional health.

Nourishment

“A cheerful heart has a continual feast” (Proverbs 15:15 NASB).

Regardless of how things may be going in your outward circumstances today, if you’re feasting on the Lord’s joy, you’ll always have an internal supply of sustenance.

Radiance

“A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, but when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken” (Proverbs 15:13 NASB).

In a world that puts far too much emphasis on physical beauty, a joyful face is one of the very best ways you can stand out from the crowd.

Strength

“The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10 NASB).

On days when your human strength seems depleted, God’s supernatural joy can revitalize you with new energy.

This is just a small sample of how God wants to bless you through His joy.

When Christ lives in your heart, joy is a fruit of His Spirit, part of your birthright as a child of God (Galatians 5:22-23).

Yet perhaps you’re thinking at this point, “David, I’ve experienced the joy of the Lord at times, but lately it seems to have vanished.”

I’ve got good news, my friend. Although we’ve all had times when God’s joy seemed a distant memory, we can pray the same prayer King David once prayed: “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation” (Psalm 51:12).

When you come to the Lord with a contrite heart, as David did, you can be confident He will answer that prayer!

The Source of True Joy

With such great promises about a joy-filled life, why are so many Christians not experiencing the abounding joy God offers?

When the life of faith is supposed to be “joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8 KJV), why are there so many downcast believers?

Entire books have been written to address this question, but the primary answer is actually quite simple: Too often, people are pursuing joy and happiness as commodities outside of an intimate relationship with their Heavenly Father.

They think that if they can just change their circumstances and get what they want out of life, joy will automatically fill their heart. But it doesn’t work that way.

King David was a man after God’s own heart, and he had a keen understanding of the source of his joy: “In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).

Friend, if you’re seeking more joy in your life today, I hope you’ll let these words sink in.

The only place to find lasting joy is in the presence of the Lord.

Your circumstances may bounce up and down like a yo-yo, but your joy can be steadfast because of Jesus’ joy within you (John 15:11).

No wonder the apostle Paul could write, “Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS” (Philippians 4:4).

He knew his joy wasn’t based on his circumstances, for he was writing these words from a prison cell!

Eternal Joy

Sadly, many people’s quest for joy is entirely earthbound, without regard for their eternal destiny.

Living for transitory things, they experience only transitory joy and happiness.

However, we see an entirely different dimension to joy in Jesus’ Parable of the Talents.

As the two faithful servants were about to enter their home in eternity, they received this beautiful greeting from their Master:

“Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord” (Matthew 25:21).

People often ask me what I think Heaven will be like, and that’s a very important question.

Based on this wonderful statement by Jesus, one thing is for sure: Heaven will be a place of great joy for all who are ready to enter in!

What about you, my friend? Are you living in the joy of the Lord today?

Will you be ready to step into His unspeakable eternal joy when your earthly life comes to an end?

As Paul prayed for the Romans, “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him” (Romans 15:13 NLT).

Find your joy and peace in the Lord!

God bless you

David Cerullo is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Inspiration Ministries, located in Indian Land, South Carolina ­– a ministry dedicated to impacting people for Christ worldwide through media. The son of international evangelist Morris Cerullo, David took a less traditional approach to ministry, graduating from Oral Roberts University with a degree in business administration and management. He has authored over 20 books, and operates a global media ministry that powerfully impacts the world for Christ. More from David on Inspiration.org.

https://inspiration.org/david-cerullo/strengthen-your-walk/benefits-of-a-joyful-heart/

BROKEN WINGS? We All Have Them - Lessons From a Caterpillar’s Transformation - Everyone has something “different” about them. Some people don’t see well. Some people don’t hear at all. Some people are born missing different things on their bodies. Some people are not kind. Some people don’t know how to share. Some people don’t know how to be happy. Some people are jealous. She is too young to completely get it. The hurt is what is dominant to her right now, and I understand that. But one day, she will learn that we were all created betzelem Elokim, in the image of G d. In His wisdom, He formed each human being, and He chose to create us with flaws. The flaws are part of His plan — for without them we would have nothing to strive for, no goal to accomplish. Every soul has a journey, and some have a journey more twisting and winding then others. But He has given us the tools to reach our true potential and to take that journey on.

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Broken Wings?

We All Have Them

Lessons From a Caterpillar’s Transformation

By Blumie Abend

It’s just a butterfly, I tell myself.

A beautiful, painted lady butterfly.

With a lopsided wing that seems to be deformed on the left side . . .

Together with my young charges at the We followed their progress day by day school I work in, we watched five tiny caterpillars, freshly hatched, fatten up and shed their skin periodically as they outgrew themselves in their ultimate quest to transform themselves into an entirely new entity.

We followed their progress day by day, marveling at their growth, watching the wonder of metamorphosis unfold before our very own eyes.

But as one by one they began to form their chrysalises, I noticed with a sinking heart that the process wasn’t going so smoothly.

Two caterpillars spun perfectly formed homes for themselves at the appropriate place: the top of the little container they were in.

But the other three were struggling. I walked into work one morning and saw three clumsy-looking chrysalises lying on the bottom of the container, somewhat squashed and sad-looking.

When the children came to school, I explained that we were going to transfer the chrysalises to the butterfly enclosure, but I warned them about the three on the bottom, letting them know that they might not make it.

A week went by. We watched and waited.

This morning, I headed for the butterfly enclosure on my arrival at school.

There was something so simply enthralling about seeing a live, fluttering pair of wings clinging to the net of the butterfly home.

I was further delighted to see that the butterfly had emerged from one of the chrysalises that lay on the floor of the enclosure. He made it!

The kids were equally ecstatic. We have a butterfly! One came out! We sliced oranges and placed them carefully at the bottom of the net.

But as I moved the enclosure back to the shelf it had been sitting on, I realized that something wasn’t quite right with the little butterfly.

I watched it for a few moments and saw it spread its wings, and that’s when I noticed the left one.

It was hard to tell, but a tiny snippet of wing was missing. It prevented the butterfly from closing its wings perfectly, making it look lopsided and not quite as pretty as it should have been.

As the children came into the classroom after being outside for playtime and were made aware of the movement the butterfly was now making, their excitement knew no bounds.

They eagerly peered into the net, and right away saw the butterfly struggling to keep its footing, that misshapen left wing hanging awkwardly, lending an inequality to the fragile balance provided by the symmetrical wings on both sides.

“It’s falling!”

The children pointed out, some of them worried, some of them merely observing the obvious.

“It can’t fly.”

I stayed quiet, unsure whether to mention the broken wing or to let the journey of time be the lesson for them, for even I was not certain this butterfly could not join its friends eventually.

I couldn’t help but think of people who have broken wings.

The obvious ones are people like the man who sits outside the grocery store I frequent, his legs useless, his body confined to a wheelchair.

Or the boy down the street who is autistic and lashes out in a rage when things don’t go the way he wants them to.

The cashier at the dollar store I went to today, his eyes somewhat unfocused peering over thick glasses, his speech slurred, his actions stiff and out of sync.

Or my daughter, her left hand missing parts of its fingers, and though it seems so insignificant, so little in the grand scheme of things, she brings it up at least once a week these days, and we talk about it and how it makes her feel.

I realize that what I tell her in those I couldn’t help but think of the people who have broken wings painful conversations is what I’m seeing today.

Everyone has something “different” about them, I say.

Some people don’t see well. Some people don’t hear at all. Some people are born missing different things on their bodies.

She frowns, and I continue. Some people are not kind.

Some people don’t know how to share. Some people don’t know how to be happy. Some people are jealous.

She is too young to completely get it. The hurt is what is dominant to her right now, and I understand that.

But one day, she will learn that we were all created betzelem Elokim, in the image of G‑d.

In His wisdom, He formed each human being, and He chose to create us with flaws.

The flaws are part of His plan — for without them we would have nothing to strive for, no goal to accomplish.

Every soul has a journey, and some have a journey more twisting and winding then others.

But He has given us the tools to reach our true potential and to take that journey on.

Blumie Abend is a freelance writer living in Los Angeles, California. She is a mother and teacher, and uses her life experiences as a backdrop to her articles.

Art by Rivka Korf. Rivka uses her creativity and expertise to create masterful compositions and illustrations. She shares her love of coffee with her husband, and passes on her appreciation of art and design to her children.

https://www.chabad.org/theJewishWoman/article_cdo/aid/4408125/jewish/Broken-Wings-We-All-Have-Them.htm