God Given Talent

As a young child, I can remember sitting for hours and watching music videos with my grandfather. We’d watch music videos starring all the greats: Garth Brooks, Martina McBride, George Strait, Vince Gill, Tanya Tucker, Shania Twain, and all the rest. My grandfather especially loved to listen to Martina McBride, and he always referenced her “God-given talent.” As a young child, I remember wishing that God had given me the talents he’d so graciously bestowed upon the beautiful Martina McBride. And while my love for music continues to grow well into adulthood, that musical talent I desired so much never fully panned out for me.

A few years ago, I completed a self-assessment for a college course in which I was enrolled. The self-assessment focused on finding and growing each person’s unique strengths. I was shocked to find that some of my strengths were utterly foreign to me, while others were personality traits that I always felt needed to be ‘toned down’ to reach the personal and professional growth I aspired to obtain.

As I reflected on the self-assessment findings, I quickly realized that I’d been so focused on identifying and refining my weaknesses that I’d completely overlooked my strengths. In fact, I’d focused solely on my weaknesses for so long that I’d actually mistaken my strengths for personality defects instead of seeing them as my own God-given talents.

The bible states that “we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

But how can we reach our greatest potential when we form to society’s expectation of identifying and overcoming strengths above identifying and growing strengths into talents?

For example, when your child brings home his/her report card, which indicates a 98 in math, 85s in social studies, science, and reading, and a 77 in writing, what do you truly see? In which subject do you then provide the most focus and discussion with your child? At one point, I would have answered that the C in writing now requires the most attention, but the truth is, the A in math is the area to focus. Clearly, math is a strength that needs to be nurtured and developed so that it may become a talent to one day serve God’s work.

This isn’t to say that the child should not still try to improve upon his/her writing abilities, but the main focus should be on the area in which the child is naturally talented. I’ll ask again, how can we reach our greatest potential when we form to society’s expectation of identifying and overcoming strengths above identifying and growing strengths into talents?

Since uncovering this truth, I have shifted my focus and energy to developing my strengths into talents. I still work toward building my capacity upon my areas of weakness, but my true focus is on continuously building my strengths into expert talents. I may not have the voice of Martina McBride, but God has provided me with the strengths I need to do the work that He intends to accomplish through me.

Today, I challenge you to take a moment and reflect upon the strengths you bring to the world. If you find that it is easier for you to list your weaknesses than your strengths, then it’s time to refocus on discovering the strengths God bestowed upon you. Your potential waits to be unlocked so that you might better serve the Kingdom of God.

He’s Coming

🎶One day His trumpet will sound for His coming

I’m about to get really real because this is real.

That trumpet is gonna sound sooner than later.

Are you ready?

Who have you told?

What have you done to prepare?

This is a beautiful promise from God that you can count on. So when this world gets grim – almost too much to bear – just remember His promise.

He is coming for you.

He is coming for me.

He is coming.

In the meantime, my hope for all of us is that this promise is what we are truly focused on. We’ve got work to do, y’all.

Every. Single. Day.

“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. Matthew 24:36

Gather Round

Don’t you just love a good campfire? The sound of the wood crackling. The amazing smell (as long as it doesn’t get in your hair) and the peace that comes with quietly sitting and gazing into the flames.

Over the past three years I have traveled across the country with my family. During that time we have watched as words like “relationships,” “community,” and “gathering” have changed. While much of the country has been shut down, if I’m being honest, not much has changed in our lives. We were already homeschooling our three boys and working from home, but we were also already in the habit of working to create community around us.

And that’s part of the reason we love a good campfire. There is something about circling up your chairs that opens people up and helps them to drop their guards. We’ve seen it time after time. The fire gives people a little mental barrier, like that wall of fire is helping keep them safe. And because they aren’t gazing at a screen their mind is free to wander. So it does. The warm glow almost always leads to conversations that go deeper than the weather. It allows everyone that sits inside its influence to begin to dig into their wants and desires, their hurts and hangups.

You probably remember the command we are given in Hebrews 10:25:

“…not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near…”

But do you remember the verse before it?

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,”

The gathering is a precursor to the love and good works. The two are tied together.

So today, let me encourage you to press in to your community. Let me encourage you to set up some chairs, gather some wood, stack up some rocks around them, invite some friends (or people you would like to become your friends) and light a fire in a real and a figurative sense. Be intentional about how you can build community where you are, and by so doing, how you can encourage others toward love and good deeds.

Love It

People are always going to talk.

If what they are saying doesn’t align with what God has already said – don’t you dare listen. I would say in one ear and out the other, but the fact of the matter is you don’t need to let it in at all.

God within you needs to be bigger than human words.

God within you needs to be bigger than human opinions.

God within you needs to be bigger.

God’s truth is the only truth you need. Get in His word and soak it in.

Memorize it.

Quote it.

Write it.

Live it.

And if someone says something about you that just doesn’t sit right with your soul – you’re gonna have to pull an Elsa and just let that mess go.

People are always going to pass judgement on you; however, there’s only one true Judge – one true King. And the judgement that He passes is the only judgement that counts.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

My Shepherd

💛 Guest Post by Mrs. Krissy Melancon

Is your mind troubled today with worries? Are you experiencing anxieties that you may not be sure how to handle? Do you find yourself feeling as though you are beating your head against the wall trying to stop the mental torments that this life on Earth can bring?

I recently read about how sheep can get their heads caught in briers, and then sometimes die trying to get themselves untangled. There are also insects that plague sheep by laying eggs in their nostrils, which then turn into worms.

The sheep are known to beat their heads against the rocks trying to kill the worms that are tormenting them, but in fact they are only causing injury to themselves. To help their sheep, a shepherd will anoint their head with oil, and therefore bring a calm and peace to the distress of the sheep.

Psalms 23 has been a favorite scripture of man, and it too refers to the shepherd and how he cares for his sheep. It begins with, “The Lord is my shepherd,” and so it places us in the role of the sheep and God in the place of our shepherd.

It states, “He anoints my head with oil,” and now this part of Psalms makes so much more sense to me. The Lord cares about our mental anguish and mental torments, and He is quick to anoint our heads with His spiritual oil bringing peace to our minds.

Today, do not allow the enemy to torment your mind with worms. Call on the Lord to anoint your head with oil, and pray over your situations.

Look for Him, and you will find Him. I can see him in the wind that is blowing through the trees this morning – in the birds and butterflies that fly around. I see Him in the faces of our children, and the eyes of my husband.

I hear Him in laughter – in the thunder and lightning of the storms. I hear Him in a small still voice, and strongly through the Gifts of the Spirit and ministers when I have needed Him the most.

Most importantly, I feel Him around me, His love, His comfort and His strength. Whatever is meant to come out of the trials of this life we may never understand, but one thing is certain – He will not leave you comfortless or alone.

If you don’t know the God I speak of, please find a way to meet Him.

He is waiting.
He is worth it.
His name is Jesus, and He already loves you.

Pray Psalm 23 today and invite Him to surround all areas of your life.

Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.

Choose Christ

Life is full of choices. Take a moment and think of all the many choices you make daily.

Now that you have thought for a moment, I hope one of your choices each day is to walk with our Lord and Savior. I don’t say that lightly. You choose to do something with the relationship you have with Christ.

As a youth director, I have many students wonder what their purpose may be in this world. What will they do after they graduate, will they get to continue playing the game they love, who will they marry, what type of family they will raise, & yes it goes on and on. How I respond and encourage them is simply reminding them the Lord reveals our purpose to us. That’s simply to live out the great commission we find in Matthew; “Therefore go, making disciples of all nations”. Although that’s demanded, he leaves it up to us to act upon. Does that make sense? You choose to love others as yourself, you choose to be positive, you choose to put on your armor of Christ daily, you choose to share, & to put your full trust in him as your personal Savior.

Your choices matter. It’s time to be reminded of your purpose, and your mission.

Josh Wilson said it best, “I refuse to sit around and wait for someone else to do what God has called me to do myself.”

It’s deep, but we will all stand one day & either be told, “Well done, my good & faithful servant.” (Matthew 25) or “Depart from me, I never knew you.” (Matthew 7) That is why I do not take this lightly, and I hope you don’t either. Choose to be known by your fruit. Choose obedience. It’s not easy, and you definitely will not be perfect. That’s okay. Once you begin to choose his way, his path, you have a new peace and strength to face

this world daily. You realize the importance of choosing the Heavenly Father. You can’t make it without him.

He’s counting on you to go and make disciples. Today, begin doing what you were made to do, and that’s choose Christ.

Just Imagine

Today we are going to cross paths with different people doing different things.

Different hurts.

Different hopes.

Whether we are on a conference call or in the grocery store let’s stay in this frame of mind:

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17

Imagine how different our world would be if we did just that.

Turn to God

Have you ever had a bouquet of your favorite flowers? I did- from my mom and dad on my birthday. Once the flowers got shriveled and dead looking, I had to throw them away so they wouldn’t stink up my room.

We can think of our hearts as the beautiful bouquet that God has created for us. Sometimes we can have happy moments or events in our lives that build us up inside and make us feel good about ourselves. Other times we can have sad moments that can tear us down inside that make us cry and make us feel bad about ourselves.

God takes us through hard events in our lives like the death of someone we loved, breakups , or stress and anxiety from Covid-19. (You know- getting your assignments for school turned in on time or your work’s projects/papers you have to get done and turned in on your boss’s desk by a certain time.)

The devil can use times where you are sad to get in your head and break you down even more. The devil can rob your flowers (your heart) of water and that can cause your flowers to shrivel up. If you don’t take control of the devil trying to sneak in your mind during these times, your flowers can start to stink and ruin your relationship with God. When we go through heartache, you need to turn to something to help you through the hard times. I encourage you to turn to God in prayer and to Christian music.

Psalm 119:28 says, “My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to Your Word!”

When I’m sad and I need to remind myself that God is always here for me and that he will never leave me, I listen to the song, Famous For by Tauren Wells. This song reminds me that God is great and that he is always working in my life.

God is still rolling stones in your life (just like Lauren Daigle sings in Still Rolling Stones) . When God gives you moments where He takes you from your best to your worst, just know and trust that God did that for a reason. He will be with you every step of your journey and it will make your relationship with God stronger than ever.

Keeping your heart fresh like that bouquet of flowers is a choice we can make. “And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Revelation 21:5

Backstage Pass

Easter Sunday I posted a scripture out of Matthew that accounts for one of my absolute favorite moments in the Bible – the moment that veil was torn.

Now y’all, I’m not a Biblical scholar – just a girl that loves Jesus with her whole heart – and I won’t get into an argument about the exact height and width of the veil. But I can say this without a doubt, fabric of that magnitude doesn’t just rip. It was a sheer miracle.

No pun intended.

Check out Hebrews 9 to really dig into exactly what this means for us.

Jesus died.

For me.

For you.

And when He did He became our way to the Holy of Holies. Before that infamous rip little ol’ me and little ol’ you weren’t getting a backstage pass. We weren’t good enough. We still aren’t – but Jesus is.

And He is standing in the gap for you and me.

Get excited.

Get to Jesus.

Because you GET to.

“But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people,” Hebrews 9:7

“At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split,” Matthew 27:51

It’s not Over.

Later he appeared to the Eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table. He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who saw him after he had risen. Then he said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. —Mark 16:14-16

So the Lord Jesus, after speaking to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word by the accompanying signs.—Mark 16:19-20

“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”—Acts 1:11

What a glorious celebration! Easter Sunday is such an amazing celebration! It’s not all about the candy and the eggs. Jesus conquered sin and death. He paid the debt we owe, so that we could experience salvation from eternal punishment.

…but, that was yesterday. Easter Sunday has come and gone. What now? Mow the yard, eat the candy, figure out something to make with the boiled Easter eggs, go back to work like normal? It seems a bit anticlimactic to just go back to everyday life when just yesterday we celebrated the most exciting event in history. The story isn’t over, though. We have a mission.

Jesus appeared to the disciples and He rebuked their unbelief. Are we sitting in a period of unbelief? All God’s promises come true. May we seek forgiveness for our complacency and doubts. Let’s not allow the excitement of Easter to dwindle. Keep it alive by sharing the news that He has risen. Jesus commanded us to share that message of salvation. One day, He’s returning to claim His own. Let’s not be found sitting in despair. Let’s be found celebrating salvation and sharing it for others to experience. Let’s take on the excitement of Mary Magdalene who “went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord!’” (John 20:18) There’s an exclamation at the end of her pronouncement. She was obviously, and rightly so, very excited! Because of Easter, we have life, glorious life!

Rays of Sunshine inc

Educator, Mother, & Jesus Lover

Author: daisyrayofsunshine