Are You Using Your Gifts?

By Pat

Do we use the gifts God gave us wisely, in the way in which He intended for them to be used? I have to say in honesty that I probably don't, and it shames me. Sure, sometimes I do. But is that good enough?

Several chapters in Exodus describe the construction of the temple and the ark, the alter and the making of the priestly garments. And although God's instructions for each item were very concise, everything was carried out to perfection from the curtains to the tabernacle to the perfumed anointing oil. God's plan was carried out successfully because the talents needed to complete God's plan were used obediently. (Exodus 36:1).

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Identity Theft? (Re-Post)

By MR, Age 14

The word identity is used in many different ways, but when you apply it to a person, its most essential definition is: "the distinguishing character or personality of an individual." A distinctive personality is what every teenager strives to find. "Coming into their own" or "discovering who they really are" have become common ways to define the search for an identity that a young person undergoes. Everyone is unique with indivdual ambitions, weaknesses, hopes and plans. Each of these things plays into how our ultimate identity is shaped.

In our world, there are so many places for a teenage girl to find her identity. The friends she has, the boys who like her, the clothes she wears, the music she listens to, the movies and television she watches, the places she goes, the size she wears, the way she looks, the list goes on and on. For the typical teenager, it isn't surprising if these things consume them and become their identity.

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Prescription for Hope, Part 1

By MAD21

A few months ago, I posted an awesome interview I had with Stacey Wilson from Samaritan's Purse's Operation Christmas Child. I was recently blessed with another opportunity to interview someone from a different group within Samaritan's Purse called, Prescription for Hope. I was less familiar with this group so when I had the chance to talk with them, I was happy to do so if anything to learn more about it myself.

Thanks so much to Ashley Wagoner and everyone else at Prescription for Hope who may have helped put these answers together. I pray they will be richly blessed for taking the time to talk with us.

This interview will be a 2-part series. I hope you enjoy it, but mostly I pray that you learn something, and that it will encourage you to act. To love the "untouchables" as has God has loved us.

Prescription For Hope

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Fingerprint Friday: Flowers

By MAD21

I am ashamed that I don't know more about them, but I love flowers. I am allergic to most of them, especially the ones that have a strong fragrance. But I love looking at the many different variety of flowers that are around us all the time. At first, they look so simple. Easily unseen in a busy day. But if you take a moment to really look at them, you will see how complex they are, they come in all shapes and sizes and every shade of the rainbow. Few things can compare to the beauty and color like flowers. I've heard them referred to as the paintbrush of God, and I can understand why.

So as the season of flowers ends in most regions of our country, we will take a moment to stop and look. And praise the God who created them.

Fellow blogger Beki at Pampering You has a really great weekly post she does every Friday called "Fingerprint Friday." We are to look around and see where we can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Anywhere? Go find out where Beki saw God this week, and be sure to check out the other bloggers who linked their stories as well.

Community of Believers

By Chuck (Sharing Compassion)

My last post was a request for prayer while explaining the valley I am currently walking through. Let me state that I know I am being prayed for and if nothing else then I am learning how important being part of a community is. My pastor, the youth minister, elders and other church members have come up to me to let me know they are praying for my situation. I have used social networking to let people know of my situation and just to pray. The response had been incredible. Last Saturday I was invited to speak (on behalf of Compassion) at a local church that I have a relationship with. They were having a night of worship with another church from Baltimore City. Prior to my presentation both churches prayed for my situation and for opportunities. Totally unexpected and incredible! It is great to be a part of this community and to know that others are caring for me. The walk through the valley is tough but it is great to know others are "walking" with me.

I can equate this with Compassion and its programs. Sponsorship is not about the dollars but rather about building a relationship. It is this relationship that gives the hope and brings about a difference. Writing and encouraging is one of the best feelings for both the giver and the receive. I know that my ministry had brought me more blessings than I could ever give. One of the best tag lines that Compassion has is that sponsorship is about changing two lives...the child's and the sponsors. It is so true!

Being a part of a community of believers is the best feeling. Knowing that there are others loving and caring for you- it is just a taste of what heaven will be like. Thanks all for your support and love.