I don’t know how to follow you without losing my way,
Jesus come and take me by the hand
And I don’t know how to trust that you will do the things you say,
Spirit teach me how to understand
that your love can heal the wreckage of my soul
the beauty of your light shining in me
I don’t know when you’ll take me home to paradise with you
the day when I will finally be free
Oh, the day when you come back for me
-Age
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Victim of Praise #3
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation is an organization designed to bring joy to the lives of cancer victims, cancer survivors, and their families. The emphasis is on children and their fight to survive as cancer becomes all they know, having been diagnosed so long ago that no memory is left of what it feels like to be healthy and whole. These children’s lives are filled with hospitals, chemotherapy, radiation, and never-ending sympathy. What they need is some good, old-fashioned happiness.
This is where Armida Kersey comes in. She is the Executive Director of Candlelighters and has dedicated her personal and professional life to running this non-profit organization and giving a much needed break to these children and their families. All year long there are fundraisers and donation drives happening all over the Inland Empire, raising money and gathering supplies.
This money is not for research or for treatment but is specifically geared towards helping the family unit as a whole while the child is fighting for their lives. Imagine the stress of this situation and add on top of that the inability to afford housing near the hospital, gas to get to and from the hospital, or even Christmas gifts during the time of year when the normalcy of family and cheer is most important. Fortunately, Armida and her Foundation is here to help.
Much like the Ronald McDonald house, Candlelighters has a three-suite house offered to parents whose children have been admitted to Loma Linda University Medical Center. They give vouchers for gas and food as well. Each child, upon being admitted to the hospital, is given a gift, often a stuffed animal, to keep them company and make their stay a little brighter. Over 90% of their profits go to the families, which is a pretty amazing number considering most charitable organizations put over 20% of their earnings back into fundraising. It would seem as though the Inland Empire, while facing a difficult economic downturn, is still able to support such a worthy cause.
Candlelighters also organizes family picnics in the summer and other similar events throughout the year but their biggest and most spectacular act of giving takes the form of a large scale Christmas party each December. The Candlelighters Christmas party involves hundred of families, those who have a child currently seeking care, those that have recovered, and those who have undergone the heartbreaking experience of losing a child to cancer. All are welcome and all find hope and encouragement in one another. Each child is given a gift, even siblings, which amounts to the grand total of over 400 gifts each year! Even Santa is there to pass out the gifts and greet each child. There is food, booths, crafts, toys, and limitless fun to be had. The event is taking place this year on December 6th and, like every year since I was 12, I’ll be there making (or trying to make) balloon animals for the children. It’s a blessing to see so many smiling faces year after year.
Back to Armida. Candlelighters is a national foundation that’s been around for some time but Armida founded the Inland Empire chapter 25 years ago. She did so strictly on a volunteer basis for over 15 years, without pay. However, for the past decade, Armida has had the opportunity to fulfill a dream by making this her full-time job. She is now able to dedicate herself completely to helping families during a most trying time.
She began this organization out of personal experience. When her son was a young child he was diagnosed with cancer and she experienced first-hand the difficulties of making sure her family was taken care of while they battled with their son’s disease. She wanted to make sure that other families were given stress-free solutions to basic problems that seem so unfair when something as serious and looming as cancer is hanging over their heads. Her son is now well, in his thirties, and a thriving veterinarian.
Armida is a positive influence on her community and we can all learn from her and her drive to make people’s lives a little better, especially when tragedy strikes. It is obvious that this is a real passion for her and I imagine that she will continue to help families in the Inland Empire for years to come.
This is where Armida Kersey comes in. She is the Executive Director of Candlelighters and has dedicated her personal and professional life to running this non-profit organization and giving a much needed break to these children and their families. All year long there are fundraisers and donation drives happening all over the Inland Empire, raising money and gathering supplies.
This money is not for research or for treatment but is specifically geared towards helping the family unit as a whole while the child is fighting for their lives. Imagine the stress of this situation and add on top of that the inability to afford housing near the hospital, gas to get to and from the hospital, or even Christmas gifts during the time of year when the normalcy of family and cheer is most important. Fortunately, Armida and her Foundation is here to help.
Much like the Ronald McDonald house, Candlelighters has a three-suite house offered to parents whose children have been admitted to Loma Linda University Medical Center. They give vouchers for gas and food as well. Each child, upon being admitted to the hospital, is given a gift, often a stuffed animal, to keep them company and make their stay a little brighter. Over 90% of their profits go to the families, which is a pretty amazing number considering most charitable organizations put over 20% of their earnings back into fundraising. It would seem as though the Inland Empire, while facing a difficult economic downturn, is still able to support such a worthy cause.
Candlelighters also organizes family picnics in the summer and other similar events throughout the year but their biggest and most spectacular act of giving takes the form of a large scale Christmas party each December. The Candlelighters Christmas party involves hundred of families, those who have a child currently seeking care, those that have recovered, and those who have undergone the heartbreaking experience of losing a child to cancer. All are welcome and all find hope and encouragement in one another. Each child is given a gift, even siblings, which amounts to the grand total of over 400 gifts each year! Even Santa is there to pass out the gifts and greet each child. There is food, booths, crafts, toys, and limitless fun to be had. The event is taking place this year on December 6th and, like every year since I was 12, I’ll be there making (or trying to make) balloon animals for the children. It’s a blessing to see so many smiling faces year after year.
Back to Armida. Candlelighters is a national foundation that’s been around for some time but Armida founded the Inland Empire chapter 25 years ago. She did so strictly on a volunteer basis for over 15 years, without pay. However, for the past decade, Armida has had the opportunity to fulfill a dream by making this her full-time job. She is now able to dedicate herself completely to helping families during a most trying time.
She began this organization out of personal experience. When her son was a young child he was diagnosed with cancer and she experienced first-hand the difficulties of making sure her family was taken care of while they battled with their son’s disease. She wanted to make sure that other families were given stress-free solutions to basic problems that seem so unfair when something as serious and looming as cancer is hanging over their heads. Her son is now well, in his thirties, and a thriving veterinarian.
Armida is a positive influence on her community and we can all learn from her and her drive to make people’s lives a little better, especially when tragedy strikes. It is obvious that this is a real passion for her and I imagine that she will continue to help families in the Inland Empire for years to come.
-Age
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Happy Helping
A few days ago, at work, on a seemingly average day, an amazing thing happened right in front of me. To start, I’ll inform you that when children in orphanages reach the age of 18, they are no longer provided for and are released from government care. These children, and yes, they are children, are thrown out into the world damaged, unprepared and with little hope for a happy or successful future. Their Christmas’ have already been spent without family and now they would go without presents as well if it were not for a wonderful program, CHAS, which my work sponsors annually.
I work at a day care in Grand Terrace as the receptionist and directly across from my desk is a tree. Hanging from this tree are dozens of tags containing the names of a few of these young men and women as well as what they would like for Christmas. Many of the tags ask for Dora the Explorer dolls, diapers, and bottles as the recipients have become teenage mothers and fathers. They do not ask for themselves, but for their little ones. It breaks your heart to read these tags as some ask for clothes, shoes, and gift certificates for food. And even in these tough times, the parents at our day care choose a tag and do what they can to help the life of a child who has seen his or her fair share of tough times.
But the moment that most stuck out to me involved a father who brought in his two kids to each pick a tag from the tree. The father told me that they had bought only one Christmas gift for the entire family to share and, with the money they saved, they were going to give to those less fortunate. He told me that Christmas is about giving, not receiving, and he wants his children to understand that important fact. He knows he is blessed and his children want for nothing and he feels that if they understand that not every child in the world has that luxury, they will grow up to be generous, loving people who live simply and give freely.
And while he is telling me all this his children, his young children, are not complaining but deciding which tag to choose, which child they want to buy a Christmas present for, whose holiday they want to make brighter. They were happy to give and they were content, knowing their dad will take care of them and they don’t have to worry about a thing.
Many in this country have lost touch of the importance of social responsibility. And it’s not necessarily because we don’t want to help those around us but we simply don’t know how. My church’s Thanksgiving food-drive is all booked up. They literally have too much food, too much money, and too many volunteers. That’s a wonderful thing but what it shows me is that we tend to give during a certain time of year and we lack a balance. We are all aware that there will be a Thanksgiving food-drive and that the local grocery stores collect toys for children during Christmas so we all give like crazy because, finally, we have an opportunity to help. But what about the rest of the time? We need to be more proactive about how we help and look for ways to give and to volunteer throughout the year.
There are endless websites that show us how we can help. Here’s a sampling:
· http://www.freethechildren.com/
· http://www.handsoninlandempire.org/
· http://www.charityguide.org/
Many of these websites are geared toward getting children involved in charitable work. Showing the next generation how to help and how important it is to give to those who too often go without. Opening our eyes to a need and realizing that we are capable of providing a much needed service within our community and beyond will benefit not only those we help but ourselves as well. When we see that we can make a difference, our souls grow and we are better than we were before. Soon, lending a helping hand will be like second nature. Happy helping.
-Age
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
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