Spiritual Gifts.

"3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."  (Romans 12:3-8 NIV)

My Dad has been preaching on spiritual gifts the last few Sundays which has really spoke to me.  What are my spiritual gifts and how can I use them? Well, the easy answer is through music.  Tyler and I have ministered through our music for years now, leading choruses at our church and we feel that calling for sure, but we both want to do more.  We both want to be used to further God's kingdom, even in a small way.

I love that God gave us each our own spiritual gifts, unique to us.  I have spiritual gifts that no one else has, which is comforting to me.  I have always had a hard time finding my purpose in this world, but I think it has been my perspective.  I am expecting this GRAND calling and I am missing out on all the small ones.  God can use me anywhere, I just need to keep my eyes open and fixed on Him.  

We just came back from a weekend away in Indianapolis (A late basement celebration, just the two of us), and as we were people-watching at the Circle Center Mall, it was very clear to us that there is a huge need for God all around us.  And what are we going to do about it?  That is what we are praying about.  We are open to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

I have had several opportunities to take meals to people and I love it.  Those times have been SUCH blessings in my life.  It may seem small, but that is what life is all about.  Helping others and showing God's love through our actions and generosity.  I look forward to more opportunities to give.

I have always told Tyler, that after the kids are all in school, I want to go to a Bible class so that I am more equipped to go out and witness.  Well, God answered my prayer a little early and I have had this great opportunity to go to a college Bible class 15 minutes away!  I have gone several times and absolutely LOVE it. They are finishing up on the Old Testament and next is a Theology class and I am super pumped to get started.  I know this is all a part of His plan and I am excited to see what He has in store in the near future!

The coolest thing we have experienced was our trip to the Veterans Hospital in Fort Wayne (I have talked about this before).  We got a chance to sing Christmas carols to the patients and the reaction was "Ahhh" inspiring.  Jake went a long with us and instead of getting bored and acting up (he is 7), he stood respectfully singing with his music sheet, saying "Merry Christmas" to every patient, and he was eager for the next song.  He got it that day.  He knew how it was impacting those patients.  That was a proud moment as parents.  We saw God is Jake that day. 

Our biggest mission is clear.  Our world needs Godly men and we are called to raise 4.  We WILL be planning more outings and ways to show the love of God to our kids.  We have been blessed with some great kiddos who show me more love than I deserve.  They have good hearts and I believe they will do amazing things one day.

"9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love.Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor,serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality."  (Romans 12:9-13)

Even if my calling is small in my eyes, I must do it with sincere love, patience, faith, and much joy!  We all have unique, spiritual gifts that are all important in furthering God's Kingdom!  This has been on my heart.

Lord, we are open to anything that You want us to do with our Spiritual gifts and we ask You, Lord, to take the lead.  Help us not to ignore the pull of the Holy Spirit, to speak up when the time is right.  We know You will give us the right words to say.  Help us to train our boys, so that when they are older, they will not turn from You, oh Lord.  Show us our purpose in this life and use us to glorify Your kingdom.  In Your Name, Amen.