Spiritual Gifts

So for this week's Shape Of My Faith, I am exploring my spiritual gifts.

I took a Spiritual Gifts Assessment. , and here are my top two spiritual gifts:

Mercy
It is the special gift whereby the Spirit enables certain Christians to feel exceptional empathy and compassion for those who are suffering so that they devote large amounts of time and energy to alleviate it.

Faith
It is the special gift whereby the Spirit provides Christians with extraordinary confidence in God's promises, power, and presence so that they can take heroic stands for their future of God's work in the church.

I really do strongly agree with both of these, however, I was surprised that I got such high marks for faith. I have always been one to really be at peace during hard times because I had the faith that everything would always work out and that God was in control. But, I feel that a couple of years ago, I wavered quite a bit in my faith. In fact, I even remember a friend of mine asking me at that point in time if I had faith in God, because I wasn't acting like it. And that remark really made an impact on me. Maybe she recognized I was lacking in faith because of the fact that usually my faith is very strong.

A lot of my thoughts and many actions are definitely run by mercy. I feel exceptional mercy though toward children. More so than I do for adults. But I agree 100% that mercy is one of my spiritual gifts. It is mercy that has put desires in my heart for such things as Compassion International and Mission Trips.

That was fun. YOU should take the test. What are YOUR gifts????

God's Thumbprints

For this week's Shape of my faith, we are to talk about God's thumbprints in our lives. What are those you ask? Well, here's the assignment....

We all have them. Whether it's a lost and found again stuffed bear, miraculous provision in the midst of circumstances, a calling, or even a definite pulling of strings by Him on your behalf you have something if you look hard enough. Some of us love to watch for those sorts of things (I do, in fact I even have a website just for my collection ) others have to try hard to recognize that there are divine moments that aren't just coincidences. You may have tons or just a few. We don't need the whole story or even all of them. I m hoping that each of you will take a moment, whether you write it or not, and remember at least one time when He did something wonderful, just for you.

In our house we call them God's thumb-prints or everyday miracles, others call them jewels, God hugs, miracles, God things. Whatever you call them, please share at least one and recognize that God does not often call us to hide them (though occasionally He does–as He once told a healed man to go follow the rules and show the priests instead of shouting it from a mountain top.) Often He will use them to bless others, to remind other Christians of His blessing and that He still does miracles today.

So, here goes.....

I have many, many examples of God's touches in my life. But the one that stands out the most to me occurred about two years ago. During this time, things in my marriage weren't good. I was dealing with a lot and I was confused as to how to handle it. My hubby was also overseas in Korea for the Air Force and I was worn out working full time and caring for our then one year old daughter. There was a wonderful gal in my life, Jeanne. I looked up to this woman like crazy. She was such a woman of God and she did in home daycare and watched my precious daughter for me. I liked chit chatting with her some nights when I'd pick up the miss, but since she had a family of her own and dinner cooking, we didn't talk often.

There was one particular evening after work, when I was just very distraught. I tried to hide it from others as much as possible. But things were very very VERY hard. She saw it. She knew I was down and heavy-laden. She knew a little bit about the problems DH and I were having at that point in time and a little bit about some of the struggles I was dealing with. She asked to pray for me. She asked if I would sit with her, let her hold my hands and let her pray for me.

Now, I have never been great at prayer. I long to be that person that has God right there with them as their best friend. That person that is constantly talking to God. That person, who when they pray things happen. But, I don't make the time for Him like I should. That is something that has been a recurring theme in many of my blog posts lately. Anyway, I had never really had someone hold onto me and pray for me before. At first I was a little uncomfy. But then she began to speak.

I knew that the words coming out of her mouth were from God. She again, only knew bits and pieces of my situation, but when she spoke, it was as if she knew every thought of mine. It was as if she had been walking with me for my entire journey over the past year or so. The tears streamed down as she prayed. And Jeanne held onto me and prayed for I'd have to say about twenty minutes.

What stuck out the most to me was the fact that near the end of her prayer, this TREMENDOUS peace rushed over me. It overtook me. It was as if all the pain, hurt, confusion that I had been feeling just a half hour ago, all of it was gone. It was incredible. I was just at peace. I left her house with this feeling that I had nothing to anguish over. God was with me. God was holding me. And God would make it all okay.

And that, my friend, I'd have to say was more than a thumbprint. That was an embrace. And it was amazing.

Tag:Faith

What's the shape of your faith? Style

This week, it is all about my style. Here's the assignment.....

This weeks faith shape overlaps with all the others so far. What is your style?

How do you tend to go about things and how does that affect how you obey, worship, and love God?
Are you a go-getter or laid back?
Do you keep it simple or do you go all out?
Do you finish what you start or leave it for someone else?
Do you like the best laid plans or prefer to wing-it?
Do you like to be different, to stand out in the crowd?
Do you prefer to go about unseen, be like everyone else?
Do you prefer the unusual or the normal, the intellectual or action?
Are you a doer or a dreamer?
Are you a follower or rebellious?
Are you old fashioned or do you like all things new?
Do like things the same or do you prefer change?
Are you very open about your life or are you more secretive and careful?
Last of all, how does your personal style affect your relationship with Him?

How do you tend to go about things and how does that affect how you obey, worship, and love God?


Well, I seem to always have tons of things on my plate. And although I say that I love to do a million things at once...and I work the hardest when I have more to do, I think my hubby can tell you, that I am not always the nicest when I have a lot to get done. I have always been the person who has tons to do. A lot of it is because I like to procrastinate. So, the stuff I put off the day before gets added to my agenda for the following day. I also seem to always be on the go..up and moving. As a kid, I was involved in many things; dance, plays, music, school....I was always out and about. And if I try to give myself less to accomplish in a day, I seem to long for more on my plate, so I'll create projects for myself, like organizing one of the kitchen cabinets for instance. So, I am definitely Martha. I think this part of my personality is the main reason I don't spend enough time in the word. I don't just sit still and commune with God. The only time I think I ever seem to escape all and sit there with my Father, is when I am singing one of my favorite worship songs to Him; with my eyes closed and arms up toward Him.

I am a planner. I like to have my days, weeks planned. And I can sometimes get stressed when things don't happen accordingly. There are times when I can be more laid back or spontaneous, but for the most part, I like to stick to an agenda.
Sadly, I don't seem to plan Bible Study and quiet time into the picture. I plan grocery shopping, cleaning, laundry, meals, all of that, but I don't seem to pen in my time with God. That is definitely something I am striving to change in these next days / weeks ahead. They say it takes 21 days to make a habit. I will make today day one.

I am easily distracted. I can sometimes struggle with focusing on someone when in a one on one conversation with them. I mean, I am hearing them and listening to them, but I am also listening to the three other conversations going on around me. I have to really concentrate on listening and paying attention to someone. Which I can do, if I want or need to. I will sit in a restaurant with my hubby and tell him what all the different parties around us are talking about. I can't help it. It's not that I am nosy, which I know it comes across as. But I love to watch people. I love to watch their mannerisms and how it goes along with what they are talking about. This tendency toward distraction does get in the way of my prayer time. I catch my mind wandering while in prayer with God. So, that is another time I have to really focus and concentrate.

I also can't seem to ever shut off my brain. I think one of the reasons I find myself feeling stressed or overwhelmed quite often, is because I am constantly thinking about all of the things I have to do. Here, why don't you step into what goes on in my brain in any given moment.........Ready...here goes......
Right now, I am thinking......
I have to get my appeal form to the school. Oh and I must make the car payment. What time is it? The pork will take 10 hours so I must get it into the crock pot soon. I wonder what I should do for the miss' birthday cake? Oh, I can't forget to mail my license renewal form out. I also need to complete the paperwork for the Air Force in regards to the miss' skull fracture. I really need to work on my support letters for my mission trip. I need to send more out. My first payment deadline is fast approaching. I really should plan this week and next week's menus. I can't forget to get cracking on my day care's end of the year paperwork. Hmmm...How are we on diapers, formula and bottled water? Did I remember to give the mister his medicine? I have to get those clothes put away. Oh, don't forget to jot down the volunteer dates for the Thanksgiving meals and the Operation Christmas Child Relay Center. Speaking of Thanksgiving? What am I making, again?
So, that is my brain alllll day long. And I think that is another reason, I tend to be more like Martha and less like Mary.

I feel I am very open about my life. I seem to share most everything with anyone who may be interested. And sometimes, I think I talk too much to too many people. Because I think when it comes time to talk to God about the same things, I am just sick of talking about it. I am so busy telling everyone else.....and I leave God out of it. I know that I should talk to God first...and then my blog and my friends can share the news as well. That is another thing I am working on changing.

So, as you may also be able to tell, I am very tuned into who I am and what things I need to improve upon. And while I am very quick at also observing changes that I think my friends and loved ones could make, I also stay quite focused on what I could be doing differently.

Becoming a little less like Martha is definitely on my agenda. Except I just put it as an agenda....oh my...really, I will become more like Mary, really.

I just found the cutest little poem about this Martha/Mary dilemma.

"Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." -- LUKE 10:38 - 42

I must have the hands of Martha;
Hands that scrub and cook and sew --
I can have the heart of Mary
While I do these things, you know;
Though my hands are in the dishpan,
This soul of mine can soar
And in thoughts sublime and lofty
Go right up to heaven's door.

I must cook, oh endless dinners,
For dear ones have to eat;
But my soul need not be cooking --
It can sit at Jesus' feet!
Help me, God, while doing duties
Against which my soul rebels,
Meekly still to peel potatoes,
But not to grovel in the shells.

Grant me, God, 'mid things prosaic,
Ere to choose the better part;
Grant that while I must be "Martha",
I can have a "Mary" heart.
Author Unknown

The Shape Of My Faith - Experiences

This week I am to talk about my life experiences. Here is our assignment....
What life experiences have you had that God might use to grow others-if you are willing for them to be used, which can be uncomfortable, especially when there is sin involved. Some of your experiences may yet be too personal or involve others who are not ready to have you share. That's okay. If you have struggled with a sin He can use it. If you were on the receiving end of someone else's sin, He can use it. If you are still in the midst of a suffering season, He will use it in his time. He will use them eventually or in situations where that will not be a problem. The thing is to keep them in mind so that in the future if He presents an opportunity for you to minister to others through it you are ready. Also consider your training as well as hobbies. If you have been trained to do something He can use it as well.

Well, I definitely have experiences that I can use to grow others. I think with some of them, I could use them in working with youth. I feel that I had a lot to deal with in my family growing up. Emotionally, home was a tough place for me during my teen years. So, I think I could share stories from that time in my life with today's teens and use it to glorify God and help them in their own walks with God.

My marriage has also had challenges. DH and I are on our way up now. At one point, it had been pretty bad. We both had a lot we had to work on together. And honestly, without God, if we had followed the world's ways, we may have even gotten divorced. It's horrible to say, but honestly that seems to be the trend nowadyas. It seems as soon as someone isn't happy, they bail. But God has really REALLY been working on our marriage and on each of us individually. I know that currently our testimony with our marriage is still being written. I am excited for the day when I can use the experiences we have had in our marriage to minister to others or to help those who may be dealing with similar issues.

As far as training, I've got experience working with kids in a day care setting. I run a day care out of my home. I also worked at one for a couple of years during high school.

I have 7 years experience working for various Title Companies.

I am trained vocally. Although it has been a few years since I have REALLY used my voice. So, I know it is a little rusty. But I took vocal training for about 11 years.

I have training in things like CPR, medical administration and First Aid.

I have taken a few child and adolescent development classes.

Oh, and I took piano lessons for about 5 years....although, again I am a bit rusty. And I took tap and ballet for six years.

As far as my hobbies, I of course love to sing. I also enjoy scrapbooking, blogging :o), getting involved in organizations that help children, and baking.

So there you have it. :o)

My Passion

So, for this week's Shape Of My Faith, I am to talk about my passions. Here's a little blurb the meme creator wrote in regards to what we shall write about.

Sometimes a passion is related to spiritual gifts, sometimes to experience, sometimes to personality, but always it is God given. Sometimes we get too caught up in it and have to hand it back over to the Lord, He will hand it back at the right time, when you are most prepared to act on it. Sometimes He takes it away (if we use it wrong) and gives us something else in return.

So what’s your passion? What group do you care about so much it hurts? What cause makes your heart beat faster?

Children, Adults, Elderly, Babies, Teens, Men, Women?
Orphaned, Abused, Married, Single, Poor, Rich?
Mental Health, Physical health, Spiritual health, Emotional health?
Evangelism, Education, Discipleship, Prayer, Hospitality?

There are many more and many possible combinations of those listed above. Think about it.
This weeks Faith Shape asks what is YOUR heart’s passion?

So, here goes. First and foremost, I have a very strong passion for kids, primarily those who are hurting or abused, stricken with disease, autistic or orphaned. I long to someday work one on one with these types of children. I have a strong desire to possibly adopt one day, when the time is right. I have also always wanted to go on a mission trip to an orphanage. It looks like I am getting the chance to do that this summer.

I feel tugs on my heart all of the time to help out the children who are hurting. I have a desire to bring happiness and love to children fighting cancer. I want to reach into the world of an autistic child and try to show them God's love. I want to love on the orphaned.

God has ordered us to take care of His children. And I truly feel that as a call on my life.

I love to sing and I have always, ALWAYS enjoyed performing. It is a passion of mine. However, I don't think I am in that place in my walk or relationship with God where I am ready to use it for His work. A friend of mine who is also a Christian and a singer was having a conversation with me in regards to singing and worship. We both struggle with putting too much emphasis on having others hear us and think we are talented. I know that right now, if I was up on a stage worshipping GOd in song, that some of my thoughts would be...hmmmm..I wonder if that person is thinking, wow, she has talent. So, until I can get to a point where my singing is all about God and all for Him, I will not use that passion to its fullest capacity.

I have a passion for the youth groups at church. The teens, mainly high schoolers. I just know, from experience obviously, how hard it is to be a high schooler. I also know how on fire those kids can get. I would LOVE to work with the youth someday. I hope that one day DH and I could be the youth leaders/pastors at our church. I am sure if there ever is a time for that, that God will put it even more on our hearts.

So, there you have it folks. Since I am behind on this meme. I will be writing another edition on Wednesday about my abilities.

The Shape of My Faith

I have begun another meme called What's the shape of your faith?
Each week, I will be asked to share a bit about myself, my personality, my passions, my life experiences and then analyze them as far as how those things are affected by my faith or how my faith affects those things. I am starting a tad late in the game. But only by a week. So I will try to do one today and one midweek to catch up.
For the first week, we were asked to share our testimony. I have already done that previously in my blog. You can find my testimony story here.
I apologize I do have some coding issues with my blog I am trying to figure out and so it may look a little funny.

My next assignment was to take a Keirsey Temperament like test to learn about my personality type. I was then to apply it in some or all of these ways....

How does your specific personality affect how you relate to those around you?
How does it affect how you relate to other Christians?
Non-Christians?
How does it affect your ministry?
Did you recognize anyone else’s personality when looking over the types?
How might this affect how you relate to them?
How does you personality affect your relationship to the Lord?

So, first of all...here is a little about me, an ESFJ (Extroverted feeling with introverted sensing)

As an ESFJ, your primary mode of living is focused externally, where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit in with your personal value system.

ESFJs are people persons - they love people. They are warmly interested in others. They want to like people, and have a special skill at bringing out the best in others. They are extremely good at reading others, and understanding their point of view. The ESFJ's strong desire to be liked and for everything to be pleasant makes them highly supportive of others. People like to be around ESFJs, because the ESFJ has a special gift of invariably making people feel good about themselves. They have a strong need to be liked, and to be in control. They often change their own manner to be more pleasing to whoever they're with at the moment.

The ESFJ takes their responsibilities very seriously, and is very dependable. They value security and stability, and have a strong focus on the details of life. They see before others do what needs to be done, and do whatever it takes to make sure that it gets done. They enjoy these types of tasks, and are extremely good at them.

ESFJs are warm and energetic. They need approval from others to feel good about themselves. They are hurt by indifference and don't understand unkindness. They are very giving people, who get a lot of their personal satisfaction from the happiness of others. They want to be appreciated for who they are, and what they give. They're very sensitive to others, and freely give practical care. ESFJs are such caring individuals, that they sometimes have a hard time seeing or accepting a difficult truth about someone they care about.

All ESFJs have a natural tendency to want to control their environment. Their dominant function demands structure and organization, and seeks closure. ESFJs are most comfortable with structured environments.

ESFJs respect and believe in the laws and rules of authority, and believe that others should do so as well. They're traditional, and prefer to do things in the established way, rather than venturing into unchartered territory. Their need for security drives their ready acceptance and adherence to the policies of the established system. This tendency may cause them to sometimes blindly accept rules without questioning or understanding them.

ESFJs at their best are warm, sympathetic, helpful, cooperative, tactful, down-to-earth, practical, thorough, consistent, organized, enthusiastic, and energetic. They enjoy tradition and security, and will seek stable lives that are rich in contact with friends and family.

ESFJs are easily wounded. And when wounded, their emotions will not be contained. They by nature "wear their hearts on their sleeves," often exuding warmth and bonhomie, but not infrequently boiling over with the vexation of their souls. Some ESFJs channel these vibrant emotions into moving dramatic performances on stage and screen.

An ESFJ at odds with self is a remarkable sight. When a decision must be made, especially one involving the risk of conflict (abhorrent to ESFJs), there ensues an in-house wrestling match between the aforementioned black-and-white Values and the Nemesis of Discord. The contender pits self against self, once firmly deciding with the Right, then switching to Prudence to forestall hostilities, countered by unswerving Values, ad exhaustium, winner take all.


That was all so long, wasn't it? Sorry about that. If you actually read it all, I am impressed. It's funny, if you asked me to describe myself, I may have said a lot of that. I know who I am and what my strengths and weaknesses are. Okay, now for the fun part.

How do I relate to others, Christians and non-Christians? How does this affect my ministry?

Well, I am a good reader of people, I can tell you that. And I am usually able to sense how someone is feeling. I love to serve others and to make others around me comfortable. I do know that that does affect how I interact with non-Christians. I am sometimes very reserved about sharing my faith or trying to bring others to Jesus, because I am concerned about offending others. Not that sharing Christ is an offense, but some may see me as attacking them and their beliefs and I know that it would not only anger them, but it may possibly offend them as well. So, I do know from experience that I will hold back. However, I think if a non-Christian came to me with a problem they were having in their life and I could sense in a way they were asking for guidance or asking to know more about my faith, I would be able to share it with them and explain it with such passion and heart.

With Christians, I sometimes find myself judging of them. I know I shouldn't be and I know I have a huge plank in my own eye. But I do have strong beliefs as to how we should live our lives and interact with others. I get bothered easily when I see a Christian treating another person in a way that I feel is not loving, gentle or kind. I, of course, find it hard to approach the person about how I am bothered though, because of that fear of them not accepting me. But if it is something that bothers me, I may go talk to someone else about it, instead of the person involved. And that usually backfires on me and makes things worse.

Because I am an open person and genuinely interested in the feelings of others, I do know or at least hope that I am a person that Christians and non-Christians could feel they could come to with problems. I love to help.

Other than being held back in evangelism, another way I could see my personality affecting my ministry, is by possibly taking on too much. This has not been an issue as of yet, mainly because I have two young kids, but I could see this as a possible problem in the future. I like to do many things at once, am a hard worker and can't seem to sit still. I could see myself getting involved in too many different activities within the church and end up getting burnt out. This would affect how I interacted with others, in that when that happens I tend to be less social because I am just too focused on all I have to do. People may see that as being stuck up or reserved. But it's just that I have to shut down something, and usually socializing is what I shut down.

How does my personality affect my relationship with the Lord?

First and foremost, I am run by emotions. And sometimes my emotions can be contradictory to what the Lord would have me do in a situation. I can also be impulsive with my emotions and I usually have to tell myself to slow down and wait on the Lord.
Also, at times, I can be brought down easily and I find it hard to want to spend time in the word if I am feeling down or blue.

I like expressing my love to the Lord in worship. I love lifting my head up, with my eyes closed and hand up, singing just to Him. I, in that moment feel like I am in communion with Him.

I enjoy spending quiet time by doing a Bible Study or workbook. I like the structure of it and usually find it difficult to just sit and read the Bible in quiet time. I have to have an assigned reading or questions to ponder. Although at times, I do try to venture out of what's comfy for me to just sporadically read the Word, because I know He may need to speak to me through it.

I can easily be affected by things around me like music, television and the company I keep. Those things can pry on my emotions and I have to be careful as to what I let in or don't let it. When I get down or in a rut, I can be very influenced by music and television. I tend to start listening to music with lyrics that fit how I am feeling, which only brings me down more. In those times, I really need to be focused on God and reading His word. But I instead get lost in the secular music and the television shows that I know I really shouldn't watch. I may let non-Christian friends affect me too, by taking their input into consideration in such a way, that I may listen to it more than I should. I know it comes from a worldly context, but I start listening to it and it begins to sometimes take over what I know God would want me to do.

You know the portion above where it talked about how it is interesting to watch me in a debate with myself, it is so very true. I can have a war going on inside myself, with one part of me wanting to go one way and usually my emotional state wanting another. It is during those times again, where I know I need to turn off the music, unless it's worship music, turn off the TV and stay attuned to God and His Word.

This was all very fun. I hoped you enjoyed learning a bit more about me. I enjoyed looking at myself. Next time I will be talking about my passions.