Unleashing Your Gift

"The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.  A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great." Proverbs 18:15-16

For the past week, my 8th grade class has been examining the reform movement that swept across the United States in the 1800s and early 1900s. We've been looking at the women's suffrage movement and the anti-slavery, abolitionist movement. It's been inspiring to read the stories of Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, Frederick Douglass,  William Lloyd Garrison, and Harriet Tubman, to name a few.  Each of them took up the fight for women's suffrage, to end slavery, or both by using the gifts God had given them. Some fought using their voice to give speeches, some fought with their pen, writing passionate articles or writing controversial books, some of which were banned.  Some protested in the streets while some went into politics to affect change in society.  Each did something different, but each DID something.  It is so empowering to see ordinary people fight for what they believed in using their God-given gifts.  They could have been selfish and chosen to remain comfortable and complacent, but they chose to give their entire life to the cause, even being persecuted for their courageous actions.

As I discussed this with my students, it occurred to me that I have some of the most amazing students who are already gifted with some of the most awesome talents. I have writers in my classroom, artists (they'll blow your socks off), passionate speakers, technology geniuses, actors/actresses, and so many others. I encouraged them to release their talents and to use them to bless others.  As I spoke to them, I felt my own gifts being released in me- the power to encourage, the power to write, the power to speak to people who are broken.

My encouragement to you today is to release those gifts with which God has empowered you.  Some of you might be telling yourself that you do not possess any talents, but you are wrong.  Your talent may not be fully revealed to you, but it's there, waiting to be unburied from your passionate soul.   It's there waiting to be noticed. What makes you happy?  What do you feel a strong desire to do?  Notice I didn't ask what you are good at.  Sometimes, our gifts and talents must be nurtured and practiced before they can be great.  In essence, your gifts and talents may need to be developed more. Although I know writing is my gift, I know I have a long ways to go before I'm a great writer.  However, I am willing to practice writing, take classes, learn from other great writers, and willing to make errors so that I can learn from them.  Lastly, although you can use your talent for any purpose, consider using it for a meaningful and lasting cause like the cause of Jesus Christ.  He gave you your gifts so use them to glorify him.  When you use your gifts for Him and unto Him, he will develop your talent in ways you could never imagine.  I leave you with this quote:

Your talent is God's gift to you; what you do with it is your gift to God.  ~Leo Buscaglio


Please watch this inspiring video of Maria Chiossi whose gift is to make music:

Habits and Attitudes...or Habitudes

This verse really spoke to me last night about some of the bad habits we form in our daily life (ie. eating habits, sleeping habits, habits in how we spend our leisure time etc.):

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.....I Corinthians 6:12

So the question is what things in our life are we allowing to control us, distract us, and to be a hindrance to us? Which habits are we allowing into our lives which are not helping us? We know that God gives us free will. We also know that many of the things that we do are not sinful, but many of them are not helpful either. The verse goes on to say that our bodies are for God only. The purpose for our bodies is to bring glory to God (v. 13) not for our own pleasure. If we look at many of our habits, they are responsible for bringing us down. Think of one habit you have and ask yourself- how does this make me better? If it doesn't, ditch it. I know it's easier said than done. However, think about it. Your future is already being built by your attitudes and your habits of today. Build wisely.

An Invitation from the Master Artist

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities- his eternal power and divine nature- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." Romans 1:20

I took this picture in Huntington Beach in February 2014.  

Have you ever stared into the sky at night and let the bright stars amaze you?  How about staring at the deep blue ocean's horizon and wondering how far it stretches? Ever imagine the places that lie beyond it?  Have you ever seen the first leaves of fall float to the ground in their beautiful bronze colors?  The intricate parts of the human body- have you ever thought about how every little part of our body works together so perfectly to keep us alive? It's all God.  How can it be anything else?  Big-bang theory?  I highly doubt it.  How could it produce such a sacred thing called life? Every single part is woven together so perfectly, it had to be the work of a great artist. You may not know Him, but he does exist.   If he made everything so beautiful so He must surely have a plan for your life.  Ever thought about giving Him a try?  It's as simple as speaking the words God I want to know you.  Those words will change your life because they will summon the God of all creation into your life.  Do it.  I promise, He will be everything you want Him to be and more.