Saturday, October 31, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
No Timidity - Know Gifts
Everyone has a gift. Many have several. Do you know what yours is? For those who are well aware of your self-worth, you could probably spout off a dozen positive attributes about your character right now. But for those of us who are a little more, I’ll say, modest, you may have a harder time coming up with even a short list. Though humility is an amazingly rare quality that many people falsely feel they have in abundance, it can work against you at times. I feel that if you are not aware of your gifts or, at the very least, not willing or able to acknowledge them fully, then you will be less likely to use them to their full capacity. Knowing our talents and developing them is an important part of being a responsible citizen of this world, and the next. So let’s get crackin.
Here are some possible spiritual gifts taken from spiritualgifts.wordpress.com (a site I suggest you visit pronto), how to develop them, and, ultimately, how to use them (again, according to this site with a little rewording and additions from yours truly). Take a gander and know there is a difference between humility and self-deprecation so get to know your gifts, dang it!
Administration: Govern, pilot, direct, or steer.
Basically, this person knows how to get things done. Organization is key and when someone in the leadership role needs something done efficiently, they turn to you. However, be careful of becoming a bully, just because you’re great at making things happen doesn’t mean everyone else is going to work on your level.
You are going to be needed to organize events, meetings, help with finances and office administrations. Look for opportunities that will allow you to get the ball rolling as opposed to positions that require doing the same basic work day after day. When a pastor delegates, they delegate to you so be prepared, oh wait, of course you will.
Discernment: distinguish between right and wrong, good and evil.
It is up to you and your gut to help family, friends, small groups, and the church at large to make important decisions when it comes to spiritual battles. You cut to the quick and tell it like it is. Your understanding of the Will of God helps you to offer, with confidence, a decision that people can trust. But remember to keep your pride in check as mistakes are a part of being human and it’s important you freely admit yours. You can’t be right all the time but your insight will speak for itself and people will turn to you when tough questions arise.
Important opportunities to serve arise with this gift. Your ability to help the church make important decisions as well as settle any disputes may seem obvious but be open also to those who seek council for they will benefit immensely from your gift. Discernment does not come easy to most of us, who mull around questions of right and wrong until we are blue in the face so know that your gift will be much appreciated by many.
Encouragement: console, comfort, exhort, implore with others.
When you see someone who is down, your natural impulse is to pick them up, dust them off, and push them in the right direction. Many people know how and when to encourage but only people who have been given this gift take it to the next level. You make sure that those around you are aware of the hope and potential in every situation, no matter how difficult. You help to build morale and will be remembered by those who are hurting. Careful of a “quick fix” however and remember that true empathy is what is needed, not spiritual jargon.
You would also be a wonderful councilor, especially to those who need guidance through tough situations such as single parents, the sick, and the elderly. Some things cannot be “solved” but there is always a brighter side and you are the one to point that out and foster an attitude of hope.
Faith: persuasion, credence, or moral conviction.
Those of you with the gift of faith, much coveted among believers, believe with certainty that all things are done according to the will of God. You are “sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see.” This wonderful gift allows you to step out in complete assurance of God’s control and supernatural ability no matter how impossible the situation may seem. You are a witness to believers and non-believers alike and your confidence gives hope. Remember that it is God’s will and not your faith that makes things happen so don’t get upset when things don’t go your way, because God’s ways are often mysterious.
Your faith will help the church make it through the difficult times in long term-projects. You would also do wonders in prayer groups and missions as a strong belief in God’s power is important in both. Get together with someone whose gift is to encourage, you two would make a dynamic duo!
Giving: impart, give over, share, bestow, bring forth, commit, deliver, or grant.
Giving isn’t just about material things and if this is your gift you understand this better than anyone. You’re not giving things, you’re giving yourself. Whether it be your time, your abilities, your knowledge, or your love, you give generously. You also know that attitude is just important as action when it comes to sharing with others, giving cheerfully and without reservation. Be careful not to flaunt your gift however, seeking praise from others is an easy trap to fall into so make sure that you are giving to honor God even if no one ever notices.
Your gift will be best used with finances. Encourage the church to give where there is need and let your generous nature rub-off on those around you. You may be able to find resources to give, lend, and share with others that the leaders within your church may have never thought to offer. Also, I want to be your friend.
Healing: effect a cure through God’s supernatural power.
Right off the bat, when I read of the gift “healing,” I imagined laying hands on someone, yelling loud prayers towards the sky, and giving the blind sight. Though miraculous healing is absolutely possible through the Lord and does happen today, this is not what the gift of healing ultimately means. Those of you who have this gift are what we refer to as prayer-warriors. When people need healing, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, you are the one they want to see as you take it straight to the Big Guy. You have faith that the Lord can do wondrous things and through his power and love, people can be made well. Try not to be discouraged when things do not work out the way you hoped they would. God has a purpose that is not always easy to understand but we know that when his Will is being done, all is well.
Pray, pray, pray. Privately and as a part of a group, pray for healing within your family, church, community, and beyond. Also, take your gift to the streets and visit places that could use your faith in healing and prayer such as local convalescent homes and hospitals.
Helps: giving assistance, bringing relief, to participate, strongly lay hold of, exchange
The important part of helping in this sense is not simply the act of giving but the act of receiving as well. The interchange between you and another person while you help them also helps you. Those with this gift understand that it is about building a relationship and sharing of yourself, the biggest part of being a helper. Remember to be patient with those who do not have the same automatic impulse to help those in need but be an example to them through your actions and love. Also, do not be afraid to say no. The word “no” is not an easy phrase to utter for many helpers but you run the risk of burning out if you neglect your own needs. Lastly, people may become co-dependent, allowing yourself to become a crutch is ultimately hurting, not helping, others.
Use this gift to mentor others as well as volunteering your time in those areas that the church simply needs a helping-hand. There are numerous opportunities for this type of gift all over the community and it will be greatly appreciated by many.
Teaching: communicate the truths of the scriptures so that those that hear it put it to practice
This one is pretty self-explanatory, but I’m gonna explain it anyway. If you have the gift of teaching, you have the overwhelming desire to make the Word of God known to others so that they can apply that knowledge to their own life and situations. With persistence, something you have in abundance, difficult truths can be made easier to comprehend over time. The real excitement for you is to see realization in the faces of those you share with. Concepts they may not have otherwise grasped becomes alive and meaningful because of your insight and desire to share what you know. But be careful not to rely solely on your own skills and let the Holy Spirit guide you. Also, like the other gifts, pride can always muddy the water so be sure to keep yourself humble, remembering that it is God working through you.
Teach. In whatever circumstance arises. Allow the Lord to guide you, whether with a small at-home bible study or within a church of your own. Sunday school classes or joining an education committee are also great ways to share this gift. Remember that you can use your gift not just in the church, but within your community also, secular schools can use your strong Christian character as well.
Leadership: rule, preside, or stand over
The importance of you Leaders is not only the fact that you recognize a need but you also are able to see a solution. You are the captain of the ship and it is your passion that helps others reach their goals. Your direction and oversight promotes growth and your ability to delegate gets things done by making use of all the gifts within your family, church, community, and workplace. Power, prestige, and pride will plague you more than the others. Be careful not to see yourself as Top Dog, this may create rivalry and the undue pride attached to it may cause more harm than good.
Consider positions such as pastor, teacher, department heads or become involved in leading para-church projects.
Knowledge: to know something experientially, intuitively and in the present – impressed cognitively by God
Knowledge is all about experience. The longer you know the Lord and follow His word, the more knowledge you will gain and the easier it will be for Him to speak through you. You have a desire to “seek out, investigate, and personally experience the meaning of God’s word.” You have a lust for learning and it is this yearning to constantly get to know Him better that drives your gift. You openly share your knowledge with others and delight in the impact this knowledge has on each one of our lives. You know truth and seek it with a fervor that is extremely important in the church today. Remember what the apostle Paul says, “If I have knowledge without love, I am nothing.” Do not become prideful or insensitive to others opinions.
If you have this gift you likely have the gift of teaching as well. Giving your knowledge and understanding to others is important and highly beneficial to the church. The field of Theology and Apologetics could also use a mind like yours to help further the Faith. Your understanding, offered in contemporary terms, may help some skeptics out there to see the truth or further solidify those who already believe but lack the depth of knowledge you have attained.
Mercy: to be led by God to be compassionate in attitude, word, and action
Mercy is about action, not pity. You see someone in need, have empathy for them, and take action to right the situation. Your caring nature and insight into people’s feelings, emotions, and troubles allows you to better serve those around you. This will speak inside and outside of the church as an attitude of mercy is so important in the spread of Jesus’ message. Showing mercy creates healing and fosters an attitude of love, something much needed in our current society. Be careful not to look for immediate solutions and, as a result, ignore the long-term issue. Mercy is ongoing and many problems and situations that require mercy are ongoing so be prepared for the long-haul.
Your gift would best be served within your immediate community as your attitude of mercy and love will speak to believers and non-believers alike. Visitations with the sick, elderly, homeless, and other organizations that help build up the community. There are so many groups of people out there that are often forgotten yet it is these groups that Jesus has specifically asked us to reach out to. Your gift will help fulfill the role we are meant to play as born-again Christians.
Miracles: a force or power
This one is tricky as we don’t see as many miracles now-a-days as we did back in Jesus’ time. That does not mean that miracles do not happen or that people do not possess this special gift. On the contrary, this gift belongs to those who realize that man can only do so much and those situations that seem impossible are only made possible through God’s supernatural ability to intervene. Those of you who have been blessed by this gift recognize when God is needed in a situation and ask Him to display His power. Again, be careful of pride and false-claims. This can get you in to heaps of trouble, but you already knew that.
It is your job to create an atmosphere of worship, praise, and Holiness. Your strong belief in God’s supernatural power is an important part of keeping the church alive and well. Through support and prayer you can keep the fire alive.
Prophecy: prediction, inspired speaker, to speak under inspiration
Paul says that prophecy for us in the New Testament era is meant to edify, encourage, and comfort believers. Those of you who possess this gift are able to speak “on God’s behalf with authority on the Christian experience.” It is your tough job to warn us of God’s judgment and make it applicable to our day, age, and culture. You help to apply the scripture to our lives as they are now and keep us accountable not unlike philosophers of Ancient Greece though it is important to remember that your insight and ability comes from the Lord alone.
Use your gift to keep the church on their toes, making sure that they remain accountable and do not stray from the true teachings of the Lord. With a speaking or writing ministry or a leadership role within the church, you can accomplish these goals.
Service: aid, relieve, help, attend, wait on people through menial duties
This is an excellent gift as it is given widely throughout the Christian community. The Lord says, “The greatest will be servant to the rest.” We are all called to serve but it is you special individuals that make it an absolute blessing. You have a great attitude about serving no matter how mundane or tedious the task. You are just happy to help. The church is in need of true servants like you who bring joy to your work and volunteer because you know it is the right thing to do. Bravo. Be careful of overworking yourself. Not everyone volunteers for the type of tasks you're willingly raise your hands for and this means that there is a lot of work to do and very little hands to help. Do what you can and encourage others in a loving way to pick up the slack.
The need is endless and can range from organizing events to cleaning carpets. No task is too big or too small. You can do it all. Do work!
Wisdom: ability to apply biblical spiritual knowledge to living a Godly life
The wise among us are able to use God’s word and apply it to different situations. With this gift, you are able to discover the best approach to a problem according to the will of God. It is also your job to make the truth of the Bible relevant for everyday decision-making. Your love to read, meditate, and commune with God gives you a wisdom that benefits the church in many ways. Don’t run the risk of giving generic advice, however, and focus on each situation as it’s own unique issue.
You’re pretty much needed anywhere understanding is appreciated. There are very few ministries that will say, “You know, I don’t really think we need any wisdom in the project but thanks anyway.” Spread your wisdom around and let those around you benefit.
Phew! That’s all of ‘em. I realize that was ridiculously long and I truly apologize for the length. Actually, I take that apology back cuz chances are no one actually read all of that. Oh well, at least read the next part to see how you can discover your own gifts.
I took the test offered on the website above and found that my spiritual gifts lean toward:
Giving, Teaching, Healing, and Helps.
I feel those are pretty accurate. I scored low on things like Administration and Leadership which I also feel is right on the money as I prefer to work behind the scenes. You can also take this simple test by clicking on the link above and following the simple instructions.
These are the “gifts of the Holy Spirit” and each is attainable by all, we only have to ask:
Wisdom - desire for the things of God, and to direct our whole life and all our actions to His honor and glory
Understanding - enable us to know more clearly the mysteries of faith
Counsel - warn us of the deceits of the devil, and of the dangers to salvation
Fortitude - strengthen us to do the will of God in all things
Knowledge - enable us to discover the will of God in all things
Piety - love God as a Father, and obey Him because we love Him
Fear of the Lord - have a dread of sin and fear of offending God
"Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith." - Romans 12: 4-6
The “in proportion to his faith” part is a whole other blog, one I’m probably not qualified to write, but you should definitely think it over.
-Age
Here are some possible spiritual gifts taken from spiritualgifts.wordpress.com (a site I suggest you visit pronto), how to develop them, and, ultimately, how to use them (again, according to this site with a little rewording and additions from yours truly). Take a gander and know there is a difference between humility and self-deprecation so get to know your gifts, dang it!
Administration: Govern, pilot, direct, or steer.
Basically, this person knows how to get things done. Organization is key and when someone in the leadership role needs something done efficiently, they turn to you. However, be careful of becoming a bully, just because you’re great at making things happen doesn’t mean everyone else is going to work on your level.
You are going to be needed to organize events, meetings, help with finances and office administrations. Look for opportunities that will allow you to get the ball rolling as opposed to positions that require doing the same basic work day after day. When a pastor delegates, they delegate to you so be prepared, oh wait, of course you will.
Discernment: distinguish between right and wrong, good and evil.
It is up to you and your gut to help family, friends, small groups, and the church at large to make important decisions when it comes to spiritual battles. You cut to the quick and tell it like it is. Your understanding of the Will of God helps you to offer, with confidence, a decision that people can trust. But remember to keep your pride in check as mistakes are a part of being human and it’s important you freely admit yours. You can’t be right all the time but your insight will speak for itself and people will turn to you when tough questions arise.
Important opportunities to serve arise with this gift. Your ability to help the church make important decisions as well as settle any disputes may seem obvious but be open also to those who seek council for they will benefit immensely from your gift. Discernment does not come easy to most of us, who mull around questions of right and wrong until we are blue in the face so know that your gift will be much appreciated by many.
Encouragement: console, comfort, exhort, implore with others.
When you see someone who is down, your natural impulse is to pick them up, dust them off, and push them in the right direction. Many people know how and when to encourage but only people who have been given this gift take it to the next level. You make sure that those around you are aware of the hope and potential in every situation, no matter how difficult. You help to build morale and will be remembered by those who are hurting. Careful of a “quick fix” however and remember that true empathy is what is needed, not spiritual jargon.
You would also be a wonderful councilor, especially to those who need guidance through tough situations such as single parents, the sick, and the elderly. Some things cannot be “solved” but there is always a brighter side and you are the one to point that out and foster an attitude of hope.
Faith: persuasion, credence, or moral conviction.
Those of you with the gift of faith, much coveted among believers, believe with certainty that all things are done according to the will of God. You are “sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see.” This wonderful gift allows you to step out in complete assurance of God’s control and supernatural ability no matter how impossible the situation may seem. You are a witness to believers and non-believers alike and your confidence gives hope. Remember that it is God’s will and not your faith that makes things happen so don’t get upset when things don’t go your way, because God’s ways are often mysterious.
Your faith will help the church make it through the difficult times in long term-projects. You would also do wonders in prayer groups and missions as a strong belief in God’s power is important in both. Get together with someone whose gift is to encourage, you two would make a dynamic duo!
Giving: impart, give over, share, bestow, bring forth, commit, deliver, or grant.
Giving isn’t just about material things and if this is your gift you understand this better than anyone. You’re not giving things, you’re giving yourself. Whether it be your time, your abilities, your knowledge, or your love, you give generously. You also know that attitude is just important as action when it comes to sharing with others, giving cheerfully and without reservation. Be careful not to flaunt your gift however, seeking praise from others is an easy trap to fall into so make sure that you are giving to honor God even if no one ever notices.
Your gift will be best used with finances. Encourage the church to give where there is need and let your generous nature rub-off on those around you. You may be able to find resources to give, lend, and share with others that the leaders within your church may have never thought to offer. Also, I want to be your friend.
Healing: effect a cure through God’s supernatural power.
Right off the bat, when I read of the gift “healing,” I imagined laying hands on someone, yelling loud prayers towards the sky, and giving the blind sight. Though miraculous healing is absolutely possible through the Lord and does happen today, this is not what the gift of healing ultimately means. Those of you who have this gift are what we refer to as prayer-warriors. When people need healing, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, you are the one they want to see as you take it straight to the Big Guy. You have faith that the Lord can do wondrous things and through his power and love, people can be made well. Try not to be discouraged when things do not work out the way you hoped they would. God has a purpose that is not always easy to understand but we know that when his Will is being done, all is well.
Pray, pray, pray. Privately and as a part of a group, pray for healing within your family, church, community, and beyond. Also, take your gift to the streets and visit places that could use your faith in healing and prayer such as local convalescent homes and hospitals.
Helps: giving assistance, bringing relief, to participate, strongly lay hold of, exchange
The important part of helping in this sense is not simply the act of giving but the act of receiving as well. The interchange between you and another person while you help them also helps you. Those with this gift understand that it is about building a relationship and sharing of yourself, the biggest part of being a helper. Remember to be patient with those who do not have the same automatic impulse to help those in need but be an example to them through your actions and love. Also, do not be afraid to say no. The word “no” is not an easy phrase to utter for many helpers but you run the risk of burning out if you neglect your own needs. Lastly, people may become co-dependent, allowing yourself to become a crutch is ultimately hurting, not helping, others.
Use this gift to mentor others as well as volunteering your time in those areas that the church simply needs a helping-hand. There are numerous opportunities for this type of gift all over the community and it will be greatly appreciated by many.
Teaching: communicate the truths of the scriptures so that those that hear it put it to practice
This one is pretty self-explanatory, but I’m gonna explain it anyway. If you have the gift of teaching, you have the overwhelming desire to make the Word of God known to others so that they can apply that knowledge to their own life and situations. With persistence, something you have in abundance, difficult truths can be made easier to comprehend over time. The real excitement for you is to see realization in the faces of those you share with. Concepts they may not have otherwise grasped becomes alive and meaningful because of your insight and desire to share what you know. But be careful not to rely solely on your own skills and let the Holy Spirit guide you. Also, like the other gifts, pride can always muddy the water so be sure to keep yourself humble, remembering that it is God working through you.
Teach. In whatever circumstance arises. Allow the Lord to guide you, whether with a small at-home bible study or within a church of your own. Sunday school classes or joining an education committee are also great ways to share this gift. Remember that you can use your gift not just in the church, but within your community also, secular schools can use your strong Christian character as well.
Leadership: rule, preside, or stand over
The importance of you Leaders is not only the fact that you recognize a need but you also are able to see a solution. You are the captain of the ship and it is your passion that helps others reach their goals. Your direction and oversight promotes growth and your ability to delegate gets things done by making use of all the gifts within your family, church, community, and workplace. Power, prestige, and pride will plague you more than the others. Be careful not to see yourself as Top Dog, this may create rivalry and the undue pride attached to it may cause more harm than good.
Consider positions such as pastor, teacher, department heads or become involved in leading para-church projects.
Knowledge: to know something experientially, intuitively and in the present – impressed cognitively by God
Knowledge is all about experience. The longer you know the Lord and follow His word, the more knowledge you will gain and the easier it will be for Him to speak through you. You have a desire to “seek out, investigate, and personally experience the meaning of God’s word.” You have a lust for learning and it is this yearning to constantly get to know Him better that drives your gift. You openly share your knowledge with others and delight in the impact this knowledge has on each one of our lives. You know truth and seek it with a fervor that is extremely important in the church today. Remember what the apostle Paul says, “If I have knowledge without love, I am nothing.” Do not become prideful or insensitive to others opinions.
If you have this gift you likely have the gift of teaching as well. Giving your knowledge and understanding to others is important and highly beneficial to the church. The field of Theology and Apologetics could also use a mind like yours to help further the Faith. Your understanding, offered in contemporary terms, may help some skeptics out there to see the truth or further solidify those who already believe but lack the depth of knowledge you have attained.
Mercy: to be led by God to be compassionate in attitude, word, and action
Mercy is about action, not pity. You see someone in need, have empathy for them, and take action to right the situation. Your caring nature and insight into people’s feelings, emotions, and troubles allows you to better serve those around you. This will speak inside and outside of the church as an attitude of mercy is so important in the spread of Jesus’ message. Showing mercy creates healing and fosters an attitude of love, something much needed in our current society. Be careful not to look for immediate solutions and, as a result, ignore the long-term issue. Mercy is ongoing and many problems and situations that require mercy are ongoing so be prepared for the long-haul.
Your gift would best be served within your immediate community as your attitude of mercy and love will speak to believers and non-believers alike. Visitations with the sick, elderly, homeless, and other organizations that help build up the community. There are so many groups of people out there that are often forgotten yet it is these groups that Jesus has specifically asked us to reach out to. Your gift will help fulfill the role we are meant to play as born-again Christians.
Miracles: a force or power
This one is tricky as we don’t see as many miracles now-a-days as we did back in Jesus’ time. That does not mean that miracles do not happen or that people do not possess this special gift. On the contrary, this gift belongs to those who realize that man can only do so much and those situations that seem impossible are only made possible through God’s supernatural ability to intervene. Those of you who have been blessed by this gift recognize when God is needed in a situation and ask Him to display His power. Again, be careful of pride and false-claims. This can get you in to heaps of trouble, but you already knew that.
It is your job to create an atmosphere of worship, praise, and Holiness. Your strong belief in God’s supernatural power is an important part of keeping the church alive and well. Through support and prayer you can keep the fire alive.
Prophecy: prediction, inspired speaker, to speak under inspiration
Paul says that prophecy for us in the New Testament era is meant to edify, encourage, and comfort believers. Those of you who possess this gift are able to speak “on God’s behalf with authority on the Christian experience.” It is your tough job to warn us of God’s judgment and make it applicable to our day, age, and culture. You help to apply the scripture to our lives as they are now and keep us accountable not unlike philosophers of Ancient Greece though it is important to remember that your insight and ability comes from the Lord alone.
Use your gift to keep the church on their toes, making sure that they remain accountable and do not stray from the true teachings of the Lord. With a speaking or writing ministry or a leadership role within the church, you can accomplish these goals.
Service: aid, relieve, help, attend, wait on people through menial duties
This is an excellent gift as it is given widely throughout the Christian community. The Lord says, “The greatest will be servant to the rest.” We are all called to serve but it is you special individuals that make it an absolute blessing. You have a great attitude about serving no matter how mundane or tedious the task. You are just happy to help. The church is in need of true servants like you who bring joy to your work and volunteer because you know it is the right thing to do. Bravo. Be careful of overworking yourself. Not everyone volunteers for the type of tasks you're willingly raise your hands for and this means that there is a lot of work to do and very little hands to help. Do what you can and encourage others in a loving way to pick up the slack.
The need is endless and can range from organizing events to cleaning carpets. No task is too big or too small. You can do it all. Do work!
Wisdom: ability to apply biblical spiritual knowledge to living a Godly life
The wise among us are able to use God’s word and apply it to different situations. With this gift, you are able to discover the best approach to a problem according to the will of God. It is also your job to make the truth of the Bible relevant for everyday decision-making. Your love to read, meditate, and commune with God gives you a wisdom that benefits the church in many ways. Don’t run the risk of giving generic advice, however, and focus on each situation as it’s own unique issue.
You’re pretty much needed anywhere understanding is appreciated. There are very few ministries that will say, “You know, I don’t really think we need any wisdom in the project but thanks anyway.” Spread your wisdom around and let those around you benefit.
Phew! That’s all of ‘em. I realize that was ridiculously long and I truly apologize for the length. Actually, I take that apology back cuz chances are no one actually read all of that. Oh well, at least read the next part to see how you can discover your own gifts.
I took the test offered on the website above and found that my spiritual gifts lean toward:
Giving, Teaching, Healing, and Helps.
I feel those are pretty accurate. I scored low on things like Administration and Leadership which I also feel is right on the money as I prefer to work behind the scenes. You can also take this simple test by clicking on the link above and following the simple instructions.
These are the “gifts of the Holy Spirit” and each is attainable by all, we only have to ask:
Wisdom - desire for the things of God, and to direct our whole life and all our actions to His honor and glory
Understanding - enable us to know more clearly the mysteries of faith
Counsel - warn us of the deceits of the devil, and of the dangers to salvation
Fortitude - strengthen us to do the will of God in all things
Knowledge - enable us to discover the will of God in all things
Piety - love God as a Father, and obey Him because we love Him
Fear of the Lord - have a dread of sin and fear of offending God
"Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith." - Romans 12: 4-6
The “in proportion to his faith” part is a whole other blog, one I’m probably not qualified to write, but you should definitely think it over.
-Age
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Please God, Not the Computer!
My computer began to do some very strange and unfamiliar things tonight. I was just about to shut it down when all of these windows began popping up, one right after the other. Before I could utter the words, “what the…” there were over a dozen strange boxes on my screen and more popping up every second. I told my roommate what was happening and the look on her face sent shivers down my spine. She looked at my screen, looked at me, and grimaced. I tentatively asked, “Is my computer dying?” while I dug my fingertips into my eyebrows, my outward manifestation of worry.
Within those few seconds while Su explained to me that this was exactly what her computer had done only a few days earlier when hers had crashed with no chance of recovering a single document, song, picture, or program, I imagined my entire world crashing down around me. No pun intended. What would happen to all my writing? What would I do without year’s worth of pictures? How would I sync my ipod with new songs? Worst of all, how would I update my Facebook status without my faithful companion: Mr. Computer? It was at this moment that I promised, as God is my witness, I will give my friend the computer a proper name if he makes it through. It was also in this moment that I realized my computer is male. Who knew? I’ll take suggestions but right now I’m thinking something that incorporates all of the things I love about having a computer like: Wordgoogfaceblog or iTunmapquestube or Online Banking. Like I said, I’m open to suggestions.
As I sat there, stunned into silence waiting to see the inevitable smoke that was sure to issue from the keys at any moment, the life of my computer flashed before my eyes. In just two short years I have saved, synced, downloaded, burned, and catalogued my life into this relatively small device. It’s all in there. All of me. And I have no external hard-drive. No form of back-up that has been so wisely suggested to me over the years. I have one measly memory stick with selected items which, when compared to my anatomy, would contain about half an arms worth of information…or one buttcheek if I wanted to make you laugh. My entity or essence or whatever was about to combust in an explosion of lettered keys, computer chips, and glass. I imagined the “delete” button hitting me in the forehead just to be ironic. All seemed lost and life no longer had purpose.
When I awoke from semi-consciousness I listened to Su’s cousin, Lizette (visiting from South Africa before moving on to Canada – check out her tale of adventure at Cape to Canada), who told me to push the power button until it turned off, pray, and turn it back on. I did as I was told, hoping God would have mercy on me in my time of need.
This was it. The moment where I discover whether life goes on or ceases to be forever. I pushed that thin silver bar, watched the blue light turn on, and waited….everything was fine. My computer started without a hitch and now I have an anti-virus program and a new lease on life. This is probably the part where you assume I’ll go on and on about how we shouldn’t consider our online profiles to sum us up as people. Or how our lives cannot be contained within a laptop and we would all be happier without these technological nuisances. Or how this type of loss is really nothing when compared to real, deep, and serious loss people encounter every day. But I’m not going to. I’m just happy my computer is healed! Otherwise, I wouldn’t have any of you…whoever you are.
I propose a toast: to Mr. Computer, soon to be referred to as something much more awesome, Cheers!
Within those few seconds while Su explained to me that this was exactly what her computer had done only a few days earlier when hers had crashed with no chance of recovering a single document, song, picture, or program, I imagined my entire world crashing down around me. No pun intended. What would happen to all my writing? What would I do without year’s worth of pictures? How would I sync my ipod with new songs? Worst of all, how would I update my Facebook status without my faithful companion: Mr. Computer? It was at this moment that I promised, as God is my witness, I will give my friend the computer a proper name if he makes it through. It was also in this moment that I realized my computer is male. Who knew? I’ll take suggestions but right now I’m thinking something that incorporates all of the things I love about having a computer like: Wordgoogfaceblog or iTunmapquestube or Online Banking. Like I said, I’m open to suggestions.
As I sat there, stunned into silence waiting to see the inevitable smoke that was sure to issue from the keys at any moment, the life of my computer flashed before my eyes. In just two short years I have saved, synced, downloaded, burned, and catalogued my life into this relatively small device. It’s all in there. All of me. And I have no external hard-drive. No form of back-up that has been so wisely suggested to me over the years. I have one measly memory stick with selected items which, when compared to my anatomy, would contain about half an arms worth of information…or one buttcheek if I wanted to make you laugh. My entity or essence or whatever was about to combust in an explosion of lettered keys, computer chips, and glass. I imagined the “delete” button hitting me in the forehead just to be ironic. All seemed lost and life no longer had purpose.
When I awoke from semi-consciousness I listened to Su’s cousin, Lizette (visiting from South Africa before moving on to Canada – check out her tale of adventure at Cape to Canada), who told me to push the power button until it turned off, pray, and turn it back on. I did as I was told, hoping God would have mercy on me in my time of need.
This was it. The moment where I discover whether life goes on or ceases to be forever. I pushed that thin silver bar, watched the blue light turn on, and waited….everything was fine. My computer started without a hitch and now I have an anti-virus program and a new lease on life. This is probably the part where you assume I’ll go on and on about how we shouldn’t consider our online profiles to sum us up as people. Or how our lives cannot be contained within a laptop and we would all be happier without these technological nuisances. Or how this type of loss is really nothing when compared to real, deep, and serious loss people encounter every day. But I’m not going to. I’m just happy my computer is healed! Otherwise, I wouldn’t have any of you…whoever you are.
I propose a toast: to Mr. Computer, soon to be referred to as something much more awesome, Cheers!
-Age
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Come What May
We all, or at least the majority of us, have those special people in our lives that we are drawn to, who make us feel the most like ourselves when we are near them. No matter what is going on in our lives, simply being in their presence calms us and we feel at home. This may be family for some, friends for others but for those of us lucky enough to have a close bond with another human being, these people are irreplaceable and incredibly important. What would we do without them? Whither away probably.
Relationships are one of life’s most important aspects, I would argue that they are the most important part of living. How long would Robinson Crusoe have survived without the companionship and company of Friday? That novel is actually a perfect example of how important relationships are and what we should be willing to sacrifice for them. Crusoe would have given his life for his friend. As it should be.
Through the good times, our relationships are easy, fun, and relatively uneventful. Through the tough times, however, relationships are given the opportunity to grow. Just as God tells us throughout the Bible that trials and suffering are an important part of growing closer to Him, the same is true of us mortals here on earth. We cling to those we know will help us, encourage us, and keep our feet on firm ground and our relationships blossom as a result. We come out of the difficult period in our lives with an abundance that often overwhelms.
We don’t need wise words or long speeches about life-lessons, we just need ears to listen, hands to hold, and shoulders to rest our weary heads. And we need laughter. The kind of laughter that reminds us that life is still good even when it’s not. Like many, I’m the most at home when I’m laughing with those I’m closest to, feeling truly safe. Like the wise Dolly Parton once said, “Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.”
Every time I feel like I need something to make me feel better or more important, whether it be a new pair of shoes or a Masters Degree, I have to remind myself that those things are, ultimately, not important. Not to say that we shouldn’t buy new things or further our education but we should not stake our identity or self-worth on “things of this world.” What matters is our connection to others. I often write about passion but it’s important to remember that the passion we feel towards people takes precedence over all others. Even passion for people we’ve never met but feel empathy for as we recognize we are not the only ones who suffer…or smile.
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-Age
Friday, July 24, 2009
Service
What does it mean, “live each day as if it were our last?” It seems rather vague, doesn’t it? Do we jump on a plane to some far off sight we’ve promised ourselves to witness before we die? Do we call everyone we know to make amends or let them know how much we care? Do we eat everything in the refrigerator and not feel an ounce of guilt? All of these things sound wonderful but chances are, the next day, we’ll still be around so…what then? We might feel a little silly having been so impulsive. Basically, this statement is meant to make us stop and consider the way we are living our lives. Whether we are living life for ourselves, as today’s society would have us believe is correct, or for others. Are we selfish or selfless? Not an easy question to ponder, is it? Yeah, I didn’t want to either.
The world is an imperfect place and will be until this world passes away. We cannot change that. Utopia is not an option. That doesn’t mean we can’t live to make it better. The world was created to change. To progress. Better for us to help that process along and look back on our lives with a smile knowing that we did all we could to help others. That’s what life is all about. And this is not simply my opinion, it’s a truth. We were created to help those less fortunate. It’s our job and we should take it seriously.
I’m not saying it’ll be easy, it won’t. Sometimes it will be really hard and we won’t want to but those are the times when our choice really makes a difference not only in the world but in our souls. We have been given so much. We are blessed beyond measure though we often forget within the monotony of everyday life. Helping others and offering ourselves as servants, yes, servants, is the best way to show thanks.
You may be thinking, “Hey! I’m less fortunate. People should be helping me!” I’m right there with you. I’m definitely less fortunate then many but I’m also not a fool. I live a very privileged life when compared to the world as a whole. Not to mention, people do help me, all the time. Even if it’s just lending a listening ear while I vent, putting in a good word with a potential employer, or simply calling to tell me how awesome I am despite the fact that I am already well aware of that fact. All of these things help me and make my life a little easier. People help you too, think about it.
Interesting fact: when a teacher suspects a student has lost motivation to perform to their potential due to lack of confidence in their ability, they will send that child to help in a lower grade-level. A fifth-grader who struggles to read and therefore refuses to practice, often times feels immensely intelligent when they help a Kindergartener pronounce the word “cat.” They are able to see how far they have come and that they are capable of progressing even further. They feel helpful and this in turn helps them. Hmmm.
There are innumerable opportunities to serve, some of which are listed right here on my blog (ie. Standupeightclothing.com) so there are no excuses for inaction. That goes double for me. The thing about this blog is it opens up so many opportunities for me to be a big, fat hypocrite. Feel free to keep me in check.
The world is an imperfect place and will be until this world passes away. We cannot change that. Utopia is not an option. That doesn’t mean we can’t live to make it better. The world was created to change. To progress. Better for us to help that process along and look back on our lives with a smile knowing that we did all we could to help others. That’s what life is all about. And this is not simply my opinion, it’s a truth. We were created to help those less fortunate. It’s our job and we should take it seriously.
I’m not saying it’ll be easy, it won’t. Sometimes it will be really hard and we won’t want to but those are the times when our choice really makes a difference not only in the world but in our souls. We have been given so much. We are blessed beyond measure though we often forget within the monotony of everyday life. Helping others and offering ourselves as servants, yes, servants, is the best way to show thanks.
You may be thinking, “Hey! I’m less fortunate. People should be helping me!” I’m right there with you. I’m definitely less fortunate then many but I’m also not a fool. I live a very privileged life when compared to the world as a whole. Not to mention, people do help me, all the time. Even if it’s just lending a listening ear while I vent, putting in a good word with a potential employer, or simply calling to tell me how awesome I am despite the fact that I am already well aware of that fact. All of these things help me and make my life a little easier. People help you too, think about it.
Interesting fact: when a teacher suspects a student has lost motivation to perform to their potential due to lack of confidence in their ability, they will send that child to help in a lower grade-level. A fifth-grader who struggles to read and therefore refuses to practice, often times feels immensely intelligent when they help a Kindergartener pronounce the word “cat.” They are able to see how far they have come and that they are capable of progressing even further. They feel helpful and this in turn helps them. Hmmm.
There are innumerable opportunities to serve, some of which are listed right here on my blog (ie. Standupeightclothing.com) so there are no excuses for inaction. That goes double for me. The thing about this blog is it opens up so many opportunities for me to be a big, fat hypocrite. Feel free to keep me in check.
-Age
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Victim of Praise #2
Maya Garcia-Bacon endured one of life’s greatest tragedies. In 2007, her son, Kyle Robert, died at the age of 15 from a very long and tragic illness. After this senseless and backwards misfortune, Maya’s heart was broken and she was never the same. But she was not defeated. She did not wallow endlessly, allowing herself to become lost in her sorrow. Like it’s said, “It’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” This is not only true of romantic love but of all loves. The love of a friend. The love of a brother. The love of a mother for her son. My next Victim of Praise is a mother who counts her blessings and knows that though much has been taken from her, much has been given.
Maya Garcia-Bacon is a Language Arts teacher at a Terrace Hills Middle School in Grand Terrace, smack-dab in the middle of this great Inland Empire. She is the mother of two adorable little girls, the newest addition being merely days old, and one late son, Kyle Robert. Upon her son’s death, of a reoccurring brain tumor, she started something that to this day has changed the hearts and wrists of many within our community. She has given bracelets made of small beads, each a different color.
You may be thinking, “What’s the big deal?” You would, of course, never say this out loud as it would seem callous and unfeeling. Don’t worry. It’s not a big deal. They are just beads after all. The same type that can be found at any craft store, dozens for only a few dollars. It’s not about what it is, it’s about what it represents that makes Maya and The Bracelet Project, as she calls it, so influential and inspiring.
The origins of these bracelets is a bit mysterious as the creator chooses to remain anonymous, referred to by Maya only as “The Bracelet Lady”. During Kyle Robert’s rosary service a friend gave her one of these bracelets as a gift and Maya instantly fell in love with the strong yet simple message it gave. The colors of these beads each represent a different type of cancer: pink for breast cancer, grey for brain cancer, red for blood cancer, and so on. Amongst this ring of colorful beads is a single charm. One we are all quite familiar with, the entwined ribbon that reminds all who see it that we are still searching for a cure. This ribbon is not meant to sadden us as a reminder of tragedy but to offer hope. Hope that we are getting closer. Amazing people are out there raising money, researching, experimenting, and drawing us all nearer and nearer to a day when we will no longer fear the loss of a friend, parent, sibling, Aunt, Uncle, grandparent, or child.
At first, Maya offered these bracelets as a thank you to family. Then she branched out to close friends and co-workers. Eventually, all who had touched the life of her son and all who had been touched by his precious life were given a bracelet. She has had to order them in mass quantities at times as the list of people continues to grow and grow. She wants Kyle Robert to be remembered; not as a boy with a sad story and a life that ended too soon but as a boy who smiled often, loved much, and filled those around him with happiness and hope, even now.
Through this project, Maya realized the extent of influence one life can have, especially on their community. “Kyle Robert is everywhere…even though he is no longer with us, I still love to talk about him,” admits Maya. He left his mark on the City of Grand Terrace and Maya has made it her mission to ensure that his memory lives on. She, like Kyle Robert, is seldom seen without a smile and her warm and generous nature influences all she meets.
Truth be told, it is not only Maya that I find to be influential but Kyle Robert as well. He lives on in our hearts and memories and reminds us that life is short. We should do all we can with it, living as if today is all we have. I know that is a major cliché. But cliché’s are cliché’s for a reason. They often prove to be overwhelmingly and breathtakingly true and yet we still manage to ignore them. Shrug off the idea that we may not see another gorgeous sunrise. Don’t let this happen to you. If you are lucky enough to live to some ripe old age or another, make sure you are able to look back and know that each day was lived to it’s fullest.
There is a brand new pocket park in Grand Terrace on the corner of DeBerry and Mt. Vernon with a bench dedicated to Kyle Robert’s memory. If you have a chance to visit this bench, take a seat, close your eyes, and let the sun shine on your face. Be thankful. You are here. You are alive and the world is your oyster. I don’t know what oysters have to do with life but you get the idea. Live.
Maya Garcia-Bacon is a Language Arts teacher at a Terrace Hills Middle School in Grand Terrace, smack-dab in the middle of this great Inland Empire. She is the mother of two adorable little girls, the newest addition being merely days old, and one late son, Kyle Robert. Upon her son’s death, of a reoccurring brain tumor, she started something that to this day has changed the hearts and wrists of many within our community. She has given bracelets made of small beads, each a different color.
You may be thinking, “What’s the big deal?” You would, of course, never say this out loud as it would seem callous and unfeeling. Don’t worry. It’s not a big deal. They are just beads after all. The same type that can be found at any craft store, dozens for only a few dollars. It’s not about what it is, it’s about what it represents that makes Maya and The Bracelet Project, as she calls it, so influential and inspiring.
The origins of these bracelets is a bit mysterious as the creator chooses to remain anonymous, referred to by Maya only as “The Bracelet Lady”. During Kyle Robert’s rosary service a friend gave her one of these bracelets as a gift and Maya instantly fell in love with the strong yet simple message it gave. The colors of these beads each represent a different type of cancer: pink for breast cancer, grey for brain cancer, red for blood cancer, and so on. Amongst this ring of colorful beads is a single charm. One we are all quite familiar with, the entwined ribbon that reminds all who see it that we are still searching for a cure. This ribbon is not meant to sadden us as a reminder of tragedy but to offer hope. Hope that we are getting closer. Amazing people are out there raising money, researching, experimenting, and drawing us all nearer and nearer to a day when we will no longer fear the loss of a friend, parent, sibling, Aunt, Uncle, grandparent, or child.
At first, Maya offered these bracelets as a thank you to family. Then she branched out to close friends and co-workers. Eventually, all who had touched the life of her son and all who had been touched by his precious life were given a bracelet. She has had to order them in mass quantities at times as the list of people continues to grow and grow. She wants Kyle Robert to be remembered; not as a boy with a sad story and a life that ended too soon but as a boy who smiled often, loved much, and filled those around him with happiness and hope, even now.
Through this project, Maya realized the extent of influence one life can have, especially on their community. “Kyle Robert is everywhere…even though he is no longer with us, I still love to talk about him,” admits Maya. He left his mark on the City of Grand Terrace and Maya has made it her mission to ensure that his memory lives on. She, like Kyle Robert, is seldom seen without a smile and her warm and generous nature influences all she meets.
Truth be told, it is not only Maya that I find to be influential but Kyle Robert as well. He lives on in our hearts and memories and reminds us that life is short. We should do all we can with it, living as if today is all we have. I know that is a major cliché. But cliché’s are cliché’s for a reason. They often prove to be overwhelmingly and breathtakingly true and yet we still manage to ignore them. Shrug off the idea that we may not see another gorgeous sunrise. Don’t let this happen to you. If you are lucky enough to live to some ripe old age or another, make sure you are able to look back and know that each day was lived to it’s fullest.
There is a brand new pocket park in Grand Terrace on the corner of DeBerry and Mt. Vernon with a bench dedicated to Kyle Robert’s memory. If you have a chance to visit this bench, take a seat, close your eyes, and let the sun shine on your face. Be thankful. You are here. You are alive and the world is your oyster. I don’t know what oysters have to do with life but you get the idea. Live.
-Age
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Birds, Pots, and Stones
“Kill two birds with one stone.” Curious expression. Killing birds with stones, it seems so prehistoric. Not to mention, was there a time in history when there was a shortage of stones a surplus of birds and this was actually necessary? What about “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush?” Have you ever actually held a bird in your hand? They don’t like it. They will bite you. I say, leave ‘em in the dang bush! They obviously like the bush. They have friends in the bush. Should I stop talking about bushes? And what’s with the obsession with bird metaphors anyway?
What about “a watched pot never boils?” Untrue! It does! Try it.
I also have issue with the whole “glass half full” expression. I don’t think it’s a matter of how full or how empty a glass is, I think it comes down to what’s in this glass that counts. For instance, I wouldn’t consider myself or anyone else a pessimist for expecting more than half a glass of beer. In fact, if a friend said that a glass of Stella was half full as opposed to filling that sucker up to the brim we would no longer be friends. I’m that serious. I may not be bright and sunny and full of naïve optimism, but I do have a full glass of Stella every time so…bite me Expression Maker-Uppers!
I apologize for getting carried away. I just wish there were more applicable expressions for my life out there. Ones I might actually use like…a meal in a paper bag is worth two in the oven or…get two free drinks with one smile or…a watched brownie never lasts. Those make sense to me. They also make me seem like a 300 pound Sumo Wrestler. I actually feel that a 300 pound Sumo Wrestler and I may have a lot in common so don’t judge.
Despite appearances, I mean this to encourage. We should create our own rules and expressions and dictate our life in a way that makes sense for us. In this current economic state it may seem as though we have control over little in our lives. Everything seems to be dictated by supply and demand. We begin to focus on what we lack and how we are being held back as opposed to being thankful for what we have and noticing all the areas of our lives that are ours and cannot be taken from us. Remember what’s real, what’s important, and what is yours.
“A friend who helps in a time of need is a friend, indeed.”
“Family is forever.”
“Love is all you need.”
“In God We Trust.”
What about “a watched pot never boils?” Untrue! It does! Try it.
I also have issue with the whole “glass half full” expression. I don’t think it’s a matter of how full or how empty a glass is, I think it comes down to what’s in this glass that counts. For instance, I wouldn’t consider myself or anyone else a pessimist for expecting more than half a glass of beer. In fact, if a friend said that a glass of Stella was half full as opposed to filling that sucker up to the brim we would no longer be friends. I’m that serious. I may not be bright and sunny and full of naïve optimism, but I do have a full glass of Stella every time so…bite me Expression Maker-Uppers!
I apologize for getting carried away. I just wish there were more applicable expressions for my life out there. Ones I might actually use like…a meal in a paper bag is worth two in the oven or…get two free drinks with one smile or…a watched brownie never lasts. Those make sense to me. They also make me seem like a 300 pound Sumo Wrestler. I actually feel that a 300 pound Sumo Wrestler and I may have a lot in common so don’t judge.
Despite appearances, I mean this to encourage. We should create our own rules and expressions and dictate our life in a way that makes sense for us. In this current economic state it may seem as though we have control over little in our lives. Everything seems to be dictated by supply and demand. We begin to focus on what we lack and how we are being held back as opposed to being thankful for what we have and noticing all the areas of our lives that are ours and cannot be taken from us. Remember what’s real, what’s important, and what is yours.
“A friend who helps in a time of need is a friend, indeed.”
“Family is forever.”
“Love is all you need.”
“In God We Trust.”
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