No, not like electric outlets—other that creativity can
revive our energy and put a spark in our daily lives. We are wired to be
creative and discover contentment when we create beauty and utility around us.
It’s no secret; I enjoy writing and photography. Another way
I create beauty is using beads. I love designing jewelry, especially earrings and
bracelets.
But recently, I discovered the art of making beaded bookmarks. I
combine beads and charms to communicate a message while creating something
useful.
The seed beads nestle between the pages of your favorite book.
I chose you
before the world began because I love you. I made you and long for you to see
who I Am.
You are
beautiful and I’ve given you incredible gifts. I want to spend time with
you—there are so many things I want to tell you. I want to be the one you run
to when you face things that scare you or things you don’t understand. I have prepared
opportunities to use your gifts and talents to touch the people you meet every
day. And, when you’re not sure you can do it—you can’t, not without my help. I
am your strength. I am your hope. I am the One who saves you.
I know you
mess up. I am the One that forgives. I know you have questions. I am the One
who can answer them.And, you know that
others mess up—you can forgive them too, with my help. I see your heart. I want
your heart to beat with my love.
So when you
are alone—remember I am with you. When you are afraid—I will fight for you. I
will cover you with my hand of protection and watch over you because I am your
Abba, Daddy. I have written your name on the palm of my hand because I will
never forget you. I will never leave you. So when you have trouble trusting
others—remember that I am trustworthy. I will go before you and prepare the way
where you walk.
When you
face tough days, remember that I am there. I will meet you in the midst of your
pain. I will be what you need every moment of the day. I will fill your heart
with treasure that no one can take from you. I will satisfy your hunger and
thirst from My well that never runs dry.
I will seek
you and call to you—and continue to show myself to you in your everyday things.
I Am in the kind word spoken. I Am in the understanding ears of a listener. I
am the One who gave my life for you so that we could be together forever.
Call unto
Me, and I will answer and tell you great and mighty things that you don’t know.
I will tell you of an everlasting love—the love I have for you; A love that
never changes because I never change. I am the same today that I was
yesterday—and I will be the same tomorrow. You can depend on Me and My love.
You can trust me.
In the Old
Testament, the Spirit of God stirred hearts to contribute to the building of the temple. Artisans built, molded, stitched and
designed beauty fitting for the place of worship. The People responded to the stirring
and brought their skilled offerings. They were stirred so much that Moses called for a halt—they had more than what was needed.
Amazing!
How often do
we hear that today? Churches and other Christian organizations are dying for
people to share their gifts and talents, to bring their offerings of skill for
the betterment of the Body of Christ. What squelches it for us?
What causes our
heart to be stilled
instead of stirred?
Often I hear
people give a number of reasons. I am too busy. I don’t have time. My children
are grown. I am not really that good at ____, so-and-so does a better job. I
can’t teach. I’m too old. I am not good with children. My friend, these excuses
are hindering the Spirit of God’s stirring in you.
No one
expects you to take on something you are not suited for. But, there are things
you are gifted to do—because the Word says we have all received at least
one spiritual gift to be used to build up the Body.
Do you know what yours is?
Here are a
few ideas to move you toward discovering how God has gifted you:
What topic causes
you to perk up when you talk about it (education, abortion, pregnant teens,
current events/news, financial planning, homelessness, healthcare, hunger,
missions, youth work, human trafficking, etc)?
What group
of people are you most drawn to (children, adults, singles, teens, handicapped,
elderly, home bound, homeless, recovering, new families, infants, etc.)?
Do you
prefer working in front or behind the scenes?
There are
many resources available to help you in discovering your spiritual gift and
different ways to employ it for God’s glory. The body needs you— without your
special contribution they could be without an arm, or a hand.
So let’s consider
how to “stimulate one another to love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24
Do you sense
God stirring something in you? Do you have a skill to share?
I’d love to
discuss this with you further—leave a comment with your thoughts. I am praying
for us all to sense the stirring of the Holy Spirit and the discovery of our
importance to our brothers and sisters of the faith.
Jeanne
Do you want to dig deeper?
Exodus 35,
36:2-7 – Read about God's stirring up of craftsmanship
