everyone is gifted

I don't know if another organization exists on the earth that provides opportunity to use everyone's giftedness like the church does.

The church cannot operate in it's fullest capacity without the gifts and talents of the congregation.  It was created to 'need' everyone and it provides opportunity for each person attending to serve in an area they love and are equipped to

Today I witnessed this in action.

setting up to photograph all the art

3 or our talented Crossroads' artists helped me prepare for the auction on Friday.  One of them, James is not only an artist but brilliant with soft-ware, creating website all things I have no concept of - and so, we photographed art and listed art and uploaded it to the webpage he created for us.  silent auction bidding

The other artists who also provided gorgeous art items for sale - worked to organize everything and prepare every item for photographing.  Something that would have taken me 2 days to accomplish alone.  Together they worked as a team - each one using their gifts and talents.  It was awesome to watch!

Elsewhere in the church was Greg constructing things, and hanging things and making sure everything everywhere was running smoothly!  Helping us with anything we needed.  A blessing to serve with!

I also saw people gifted at hospitality preparing for a class that would take place later in the day - making sure each item needed was ready and waiting.

I could go on and on - but you get my point...  The church needs what each of you are talented to do!  You weren't created that way just to keep it to yourself !  Bless the entire congregation at Crossroads by  serving in the area that you are the most excellent at, not just ok, your most talented area and see how God uses you!  I dare you!

my day off

The Space Shuttle just launched!  It is just amazing what God has allowed man to discover (or think he discovers).

They are flying 3,000 mph into space - and all is going perfectly.  They just showed the control room - how I would LOVE to be part of that kind of directing!  All that unbelievable video, IT equipment!!  ha ha

God has designed the intelligence of man that allows such work to take place.  I wonder why?  Is it because He knew we would be curious and need adventures to expand our minds and abilities?  Although some of us seem to be more blessed than others in the brain power department - I think based on encouragement from parents and the right opportunity most of us posses these abilities if pursued.

I know one attribute that God forgot to bless me with is bravery!  I am a CHICKEN! So I would NOT be in the shuttle even if brilliant enough to be, I would be in the control room if brilliant enough to be.

My propensity toward safety has served me well - God given I think! Oh and speaking of God-given talent, I asked Pastor Tim if he thought it easier for those close to you to know your spiritual gift than you yourself.  He said that might be the case.

So what do you think my spiritual gifts are?  I would LOVE to know if you have an opinion.

consumerism

What a negative way to describe the attitude with which some people come to church.

God did not create anyone without some kind of talent or gift. He gave them to us to be used to serve one another. So...there is no room for consumerism at church!

Unfortunately and quite shamefully, we have lost dear brothers and sisters along the way because we didn't provide what they 'wanted' from their church.

This is perhaps the saddest way to loose someone because you realize their entire journey here on earth may be full of the constant attempt to find the perfect church, where all their needs are met. How sad. They truly are church consumers. I pray for the opportunity to show them what a joy serving in the body can truly be!