Morning gratefulness. I’m choosing it. Where do I begin?
With her and this post she wrote about her mother, Glory, four years ago. It was one of my first connections with LauraLee; her story and her Glory touched me deeply back then—a witness that reaches through to today to remind me about the enduring love and hope of Jesus that triumphs over trouble and that brings glory out of suffering.
Secondly, I am grateful for the skillful work of Jen from Blue Yonder Designs. My transition from Blogger to WordPress was not a smooth one. Since that time, I’ve experienced no less than a few headaches with trying to work out the kinks. Accordingly, some changes needed to be made to the design, and Jen has been with me every step of the way. Not only is she techno-wiz (she’s been renamed by my husband as “super-technology woman”), she’s a joy to work with . . . easy, laid-back, available, and kind. If you’re thinking about making the switch to WordPress or would like some help with your current design, please consider using Jen. She has my solid recommendation, along with my respect.
This morning, I’m also grateful for the ministry and outreach of Lisa Shaw. Have you had the opportunity to listen in to her radio program on Thursdays? If not, you can visit this link at anytime to take advantage of her archived shows. Not long ago, I received a box of goodies from Lisa which included a copy of her book, You are Beautiful in God’s Eyes, and a teaching CD, Prayers from the Heart. Both of them are powerful representations and demonstrations of the Holy Spirit’s work in Lisa’s life. Her teaching ministry has been God’s tool of sacred transformation in my heart and life these past several months. I am privileged to call her my friend, and I know that you’ll be blessed by joining her on the pilgrim road.
Today, I’m giving away a copy of Lisa’s book and the teaching CD to one of you. In addition, I’m including a package of notecards from my favorite card designer, Cindy. You can visit her Etsy store by clicking on this link. Cindy’s creative eye never ceases to amaze me. She has a knack for getting it right, every single time. I adore her work and am also pleased to call her my friend.
All four women—LauraLee with her writing, Jen with her technology, Lisa with her teaching, and Cindy with her creativity—reaching out to bless the world through their giftings. I am grateful for each one of them and the role they play in my life and am honored to share their work with you. Nothing blesses me more than to see others operating out of their giftedness and applying their willingness and “want to” to the creative pulse placed inside of them by Father God.
He’s put that same creative pulse inside all of us. He can’t help himself. He’s the Creator, and you, friend, are made in his image. You’re not void of creativity. You’re filled with it. You may not consider yourself a creative individual, but there is within you an artistic, inspired bent for innovation.
Take some time today to consider your giftings, further still, to put them to good use . . . God’s use. You are never more effective for the kingdom than when you’re operating out of your giftedness and your willingness therein. God’s signature on you, in you, and through you blesses the world. As always . . .
Peace for the journey,
What creative pulse resides within you? Leave a comment below to enter the give-away.
Isn’t it great how God puts people in our path’s that inspire us? You my friend, do the same for me, as well as countless others! Great post!!
I do believe that God has placed my gifts in the area of youth/children’s ministry. SURPRISE! For whatever reason, He has given me a heart for this and has blessed me in it. I have loved working in that area for close to 20 years now. And now, being at a new church, I am still trying to figure out where that is all going to fit in because they have an AMAZING children and youth program all ready in place. I have always come into churches and either started something from the ground up, or built upon what was already there. MAYBE He has something NEW in store for me! Excited to see it all unfold!!
Be Blessed in your special gifts as you use them to further His Kingdom my friend!!!
Much love!!!
I don’t think you’ll have to wait too long before they snatch you up, Lori. Where are you attending? I also wouldn’t be surprised if God has something brand new for you, working with your many giftings. I know he’s certainly challenged me with many “new” ministry areas this year. It’s hard to let go of the old sometimes, but with the letting go, there’s always a new area of ministry. Be looking for it, sister.
A church in Sugarcreek – NewPointe. We LOVE it! I was having a little doubt recently about leaving the church where we were serving as youth leaders, but on Sunday the minister ACTUALLY preached about Salvation through Christ alone! (One of the many issues we were having with the theology being taught at the church we were at.) Imagine that?? It was all the confirmation I needed that we had made the right decision. We are actually just loving attending and being ministered to instead of doing the ministering. For awhile…I am not one to sit in a pew and not get involved in some way!!
Hmmm…I’m not real sure about my spiritual gifts. I try to be an encourager, and try to walk this journey in love, joy, and peace. I prefer teaching/praying/ministering in small groups or with individuals. I like to give to others anonymously. So…there you go!
Love you, friend!
You are a great encourager, friend, and an awesome cook! You don’t even know how much you bless others.
Elaine, it’s always so refreshing to receive the gift of your words…whether they are here on your blog, in a Facebook status, or in a personal email. Words are (one of) your gift to the world…especially to us women. As for me, I’m not real sure where my gifting is right now. My husband and I are searching for the place God will have us to serve Him right now and it’s a tedious time for me. Having left the church we had been very active in for over 17 years, I feel sort of un-anchored and don’t really know where I fit in right now. Prayers appreciated from you and all who read this as we search for the new church home that God has waiting for us. Thanks!
Marilyn
God has a place for you and Benny, Marilyn. It’s just up ahead, right around the corner. Until then, focus on right now and spread God’s love right where you’re at. You bless me.
I love Lisa and I’m slowly going through her study and listening to the radio broadcasts that are archived. She’s amazing and I love her. I also am a fan of Cindy’s cards. I’ve ordered them and sent them to many of my friends. And Cindy is so kind and every so often I am fortunate to receive a hand written note from her; love her too.
It’s been too long since I visited LauraLee’s blog and this was a good reminder for me. I hope to eventually move over to Word Press and Blue Yonder Designs has come up several times for me when I was looking.
You are also a blessing Elaine.
blessings and love,
Debbie
One thing I love about Lisa’s archived messages . . . I can listen at my convenience. I’m often not available at the live event. I know you would love her CD message as well.
~elaine
Amen, all those ladies are true blessings, just like you my beautiful sis. I love you.
Elaine, your heart, words (written and spoken) and your desire to live out your faith inspires me! Thank you for including me along with the other sweet ladies. I know LauraLee well and she is a blessing to me. I will keep Jen in mind if I decide to take the wordpress plunge 🙂 Cindy has very nice cards. It’s wonderful to see how God uses each one of His children in amazing ways for His kingdom purposes! Each person is important to His purpose and each gifting is different but none is more important than the other. Isn’t that just like our God!!! Love Him! His love is amazing!
Keep the faith sister.
Lisa
Elaine, I guess you know my main creative impluse is through my writing, but the past year or so I’ve really been enjoying photography as another creative outlet. I don’t have a “big girl” camera but am having lots of fun with my point and shoot that has a great zoom lens. Love to try to capture great shots. Enjoy the rest of your week! p.s. Lisa is such a sweet gal, isn’t she?
Thank you for always encouraging us to let God use that creative something in us. For His glory. I’ll always remember your post about The Problem of Pain — it motivates me to consider my giftings, how I can live for Him.
I love Lisa, life always flows out of her words. And I love Cindy, as well. Practical and direct to the point, she was among the first blog authors that I frequented. Her cards are beautiful. I still have some of the ones you sent me last year. And of course, you, dear Elaine. Always such an encouragement to me. I’m thankful for this post. Reminds us to greet each day with a heart of thankfulness. (Maybe it works for others, but somehow, I do not really like making a numbered list of the things I’m thankful for… I prefer it to be spontaneous and free flowing…)
My gifts? They lie in the area of writing, teaching, and encouraging. Barnabas is one of my favorite characters in the Bible. I also dream of writing a book someday…soon!
Love
Lidia
Elaine, you made me cry! Thank you so much for your encouragement…you have no idea how much it meant to me today. This summer, when I was grappling it over with the Lord about whether I should continue in the writing ministry or not, He was faithful to show me where my gifts lie and where they do not. Philemon…you ever read it (haha, I’m sure you have).
“4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. 6 I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. 7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.”
That’s my calling & my gift…to encourage, to share my faith, to refresh the heart of the saints. I got away from that for awhile, and that’s where I got lost. God was good to put me back on track. Your post served as confirmation. Thanks so much, dear Elaine. Lisa is a kindred spirit and offers me mutual encouragment…and I need to get to know Jen and Cindy. Thank you!!!