Friday, August 28, 2009

My Spiritual Gifts

I took a quiz that my son brought home from his youth group. It is supposed to help you figure out your spiritual gifts. I already had an idea of mine since I watched a series that Charles Stanley did on the subject, but decided to take it and see what it said.

I scored a 15 in Mercy:

A person who is gifted in the area of mercy has immediate compassion for those suffering physically, mentally, or emotionally. He/She derives great joy in meeting the needs of others, and often has a tendency to attract people who are in distress.(VERY TRUE) He/She usually has a need for friendships in which there are deep communication and mutual commitment, and has the ability to draw out the feelings of others while also being vulnerable to hurts, both personally and to those which others are experiencing. Often, he/she would rather remove the causes of hurts than look for benefits from them. He/She has a tendency to avoid confrontation and firmness, and often closes his/her spirit to others whom he/she feels are overly harsh or critical.(SO ME) If you scored high in this area, you should consider being involved in a ministry that enables you to minister to those who are hurting and who need the sensitivity you have to offer. (I think Nursing falls into that ministry, but I also plan on visiting people in the hospital once I start working and have the time.)

I scored a 14 in Exhortation:

A person who is gifted in the area of exhortation has a special ability to encourage others in the Body of Christ by giving them needed words of comfort, courage, and counsel in times of need or crisis. (I've often thought I should be a counselor as well as a nurse) He/She is especially attracted to individuals who are genuinely seeking spiritual growth and often is willing to share past personal failures to help motivate others toward greater spiritual maturity. He/She is able to make accurate assessments of spiritual needs, and has the ability to explain truth with logical reasoning, giving step-by-step instructions which are easy to follow. If you scored high in this area, you should consider being involved in an area that enables you to use your strengths to minister one-on-one with people in need.

I scored a 12 in Prophecy:

A person who is gifted in the area of prophecy has the ability to proclaim God's truth without compromise. He/She has strong convictions and expects others to as well. He/She has the need to express himself/herself verbally, especially regarding right and wrong and may be quick to make judgments of others and to speak his/her opinion.(That's so me) He/she may be painfully direct when correcting others, possessing an unusual ability to discern the sincerity of others (Oh yeah, and Stanley really has that gift). He/She is persuasive in defining right and wrong, and is very persistent in expressing his/her feelings regarding needs for change. (AMEN) If you scored high in this area, you should look for a ministry wherein you can challenge others to live by God's standards as set forth in His Word.

I scored a 12 in Service:

A person gifted in the area of service has the ability to perform any task with joy that benefits others and meets practical needs. (I LOVE HELPING OTHERS) He/She may have the tendency to disregard personal health and comfort to serve others. he/She often has an attention for details, and appreciates having clear instructions to follow. (OH YEAH, AND FEELING NEEDED IS VERY IMPORTANT TOO.) He/She enjoys the process of serving. (YES) If you scored high in this area, you should consider being involved in a ministry in which your strengths of faithfulness and attention can be utilized. (I TRY TO SERVE OTHERS EVERY CHANCE I GET, BUT I FIND IT HARD WHEN I DON'T DO ANYTHING, AND WHEN I DON'T FEEL NEEDED OR APPRECIATED).

Friday, August 21, 2009

Things I'd Like To Do Before I Die (That Will Help Me Grow Spiritually)

Teach a Sunday School class. (young kids or young adults)
Share my testimony in front of a large group.
Walk a close friend to Christ... or several :)
Help married couples who are having problems.
Witness to a complete stranger.
Sing a solo without puking that fits my vocal range:)
Help someone in need.
Save a life.
Go on a mission trip in another country.
Sing a song with Brianna (my daughter).
Renew my wedding vowels at Rosebower.
Have the courage to do what God puts on my heart without letting others put doubt in my mind.
Show people the true me ... I limit myself and hide myself out of fear.
Work with Hospice and the Red Cross.