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Knowing your calling. - 10/24/2008 6:07:00 PM
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RamiRedeemed
Posts: 2628
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Ya all, how do you know what is Gods calling for your life? I've prayed about it and asked for confirmation but I havn't had any yet. Some might say that the desires we have are from God, but I'm just not sure. Maybe they are my own desires? I don't want to just start pursuing what I think I'm supposed to be pursuing and then find that it wasn't right. I also don't want to waste time waiting for an answer if I'm supposed to just start pursuing. I'm a hot mess, what do I do? How do you know what your calling is?
_____________________________
Some people talk because they have something to say.
Others talk because they have to say something.
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ramireconciled.blogspot.com
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RE: Knowing your calling. - 10/24/2008 6:36:59 PM
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misty35
Posts: 614
Joined: 9/22/2008
From: Arkansas
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quote:
ORIGINAL: RamiRedeemed
Ya all, how do you know what is Gods calling for your life? I've prayed about it and asked for confirmation but I havn't had any yet. Some might say that the desires we have are from God, but I'm just not sure. Maybe they are my own desires? I don't want to just start pursuing what I think I'm supposed to be pursuing and then find that it wasn't right. I also don't want to waste time waiting for an answer if I'm supposed to just start pursuing. I'm a hot mess, what do I do? How do you know what your calling is?
RamiRedeemed......I understand completely where you are coming from, I have often thought the very same things that you are thinking now. But one thing I have learned is, when God reveals something to you, there is no questioning it. The Holy Spirit will quicken you, and there will be no confusion about it......and at the same time, theres patience, and thats the part, thats not so fun. Im sure there will be others who can advise you more.
Continue to pray that God will reveal His Perfect Plan to you, for your life.
_____________________________
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7 
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RE: Knowing your calling. - 10/24/2008 6:39:40 PM
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RamiRedeemed
Posts: 2628
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Thanks Misty. I'm not too great at knowing what is from God or what isn't. Sure, sometimes there's no mistaking it. But all too often the message gets confused for me. There have been times were I just 'knew' that something was from God... and it wasn't. Other times I knew the opposite and it ended up being from God. I really struggle in the hearing area :(
_____________________________
Some people talk because they have something to say.
Others talk because they have to say something.
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ramireconciled.blogspot.com
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RE: Knowing your calling. - 10/24/2008 9:24:15 PM
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ladyichigo
Posts: 544
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From: Honolulu
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One great advice I got about getting confirmation about callings is to ask people to pray for you about it whatever you're struggling to make a decision about. Possibly mature Christians, like the Elders, or a prayer group if such thing exists in your church.
Be specific in your prayers. Ask for the Holy Spirit's discernment. Ask for clarity. As Misty said, God is not the the God of confusion.
_____________________________
Mari
My avatar picture is my father-in-law, Rev. Yuichiro Nakano jumping over fireworks on 12/31/08 to entertain his grand-kids. He's 70.
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RE: Knowing your calling. - 10/24/2008 9:26:41 PM
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Zack_NorcalRiders
Posts: 149
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no idea im about as confused as you are lol
but i like your signature , thats a good song
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RE: Knowing your calling. - 10/24/2008 9:38:57 PM
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bravjim
Posts: 395
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Rami:
I know that you are relatively new to your faith. Therefore, do not worry about your calling too much. You will feel God tug on your heart about something, and that is how you will discover your calling. It will be persistent, until it becomes clear to you. I have been a christian for about 4 years, and I am just now finding out what He is calling me to do, and these forums are a part of it. Just keep on seeking Him and asking Him to help you walk closer with Him, and He will reveal your calling in time. His timing is always perfect, and you will not miss it when His time comes.
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I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfilll the lust of the flesh.
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RE: Knowing your calling. - 10/24/2008 10:06:55 PM
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RamiRedeemed
Posts: 2628
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Sigh. Thanks Jim, I value your advice but I have to say that this is the reason why I generally don't tell anyone how long I've been a Christian. I believe that Jesus is an equal opportunity God, that He doesn't have a believers timeline that says we have to be 'so old' in order to have what He offers.
Thanks to everyone who replied. I will take the advice of having others pray about it for me as soon as I can find someone lol.
Any other suggestions or advice is welcome :)
_____________________________
Some people talk because they have something to say.
Others talk because they have to say something.
-------------------------------
ramireconciled.blogspot.com
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RE: Knowing your calling. - 10/24/2008 10:53:05 PM
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bravjim
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Rami:
What is God tugging on your heart about? There may be an answer that you are not "hearing" just yet. Do you know your strengths, as well as your weaknesses? You may find it is something that you already have as a strength, or may have something to do with your ability to overcome a weakness.
The idea that you posted in your original post about just going out and start doing something might help you discover what your calling is might have merit. I tried that as well, but in the end the Holy Spirit has shown me, and it was something that my dad & stepmom had said might be my gift when I got baptized. I just wasn't ready or prepared for it yet. That is the reason that patience is important. He will reveal it to you in His time, and He won't be rushed. But you might do some good along the way, just as I did. So go ahead and step out in the power of the Holy Spirit, and make a difference in someone's life.
quote:
ORIGINAL: RamiRedeemed
Sigh. Thanks Jim, I value your advice but I have to say that this is the reason why I generally don't tell anyone how long I've been a Christian. I believe that Jesus is an equal opportunity God, that He doesn't have a believers timeline that says we have to be 'so old' in order to have what He offers.
Thanks to everyone who replied. I will take the advice of having others pray about it for me as soon as I can find someone lol.
Any other suggestions or advice is welcome :)
_____________________________
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfilll the lust of the flesh.
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RE: Knowing your calling. - 10/24/2008 11:57:08 PM
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LCannon
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Look for(or identity)your opportunities(your 'gifts' will become evident)on a ongoing basis and act appropriately to take advantage. Romans 12:6-"We have faculties unique to the grace given us; exercise them according to one’s level of simple faith. 7 Seize your opportunities for service and in so doing teach the validity of Christ’s sacrifice. 8 When he exhorts to further obedience, exhort for the spiritual growth of the body since you’ll be included. When he gives, give in cooperation [for] God will accomplish His purposes and missing an opportunity to participate with God’s sacrifice misses our blessing to be involved. When one is a leader, lead with authority and diligence; When you’re called to show mercy, show mercy genuinely 9[and]let your love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is arrogant but cling to what is obedient to Christ."
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"It may be that when the angels go about their task of praising God they play
only Bach. I am sure, however, that when they are together en famille they
play Mozart and then too our dear Lord listens with special pleasure."(Karl Barth)
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RE: Knowing your calling. - 10/25/2008 1:07:56 AM
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RamiRedeemed
Posts: 2628
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quote:
ORIGINAL: bravjim
Rami:
What is God tugging on your heart about? There may be an answer that you are not "hearing" just yet. Do you know your strengths, as well as your weaknesses? You may find it is something that you already have as a strength, or may have something to do with your ability to overcome a weakness.
The idea that you posted in your original post about just going out and start doing something might help you discover what your calling is might have merit. I tried that as well, but in the end the Holy Spirit has shown me, and it was something that my dad & stepmom had said might be my gift when I got baptized. I just wasn't ready or prepared for it yet. That is the reason that patience is important. He will reveal it to you in His time, and He won't be rushed. But you might do some good along the way, just as I did. So go ahead and step out in the power of the Holy Spirit, and make a difference in someone's life.
I won't say specifically b/c I know there will be some that will purpose to dissuade me based on their personal beliefs. I'm much aware of my strenghts and weaknesses, but I'm not sure if God will use what I'm good at or what I'm not good at. It's all so confusing.
I know that waiting is important but I'm feeling pressed for time. I don't know how to explain that either, just that I feel anxious about it, like I need to start and soon.
_____________________________
Some people talk because they have something to say.
Others talk because they have to say something.
-------------------------------
ramireconciled.blogspot.com
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RE: Knowing your calling. - 10/25/2008 1:25:32 AM
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misty35
Posts: 614
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From: Arkansas
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quote:
ORIGINAL: RamiRedeemed
quote:
ORIGINAL: bravjim
Rami:
What is God tugging on your heart about? There may be an answer that you are not "hearing" just yet. Do you know your strengths, as well as your weaknesses? You may find it is something that you already have as a strength, or may have something to do with your ability to overcome a weakness.
The idea that you posted in your original post about just going out and start doing something might help you discover what your calling is might have merit. I tried that as well, but in the end the Holy Spirit has shown me, and it was something that my dad & stepmom had said might be my gift when I got baptized. I just wasn't ready or prepared for it yet. That is the reason that patience is important. He will reveal it to you in His time, and He won't be rushed. But you might do some good along the way, just as I did. So go ahead and step out in the power of the Holy Spirit, and make a difference in someone's life.
I won't say specifically b/c I know there will be some that will purpose to dissuade me based on their personal beliefs. I'm much aware of my strenghts and weaknesses, but I'm not sure if God will use what I'm good at or what I'm not good at. It's all so confusing.
I know that waiting is important but I'm feeling pressed for time. I don't know how to explain that either, just that I feel anxious about it, like I need to start and soon.
Well just remember, if God uses you, me or anyone else....He wont be using our abilities, it will be His mighty power flowing through us to do His work, so dont focus on your weakness or your strength, He will do that for you. Now how wonderful is that? 
_____________________________
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7
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RE: Knowing your calling. - 10/25/2008 12:10:36 PM
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RJR_fan
Posts: 827
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From: RTP, in sunny NC USA
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quote:
Ya all, how do you know what is Gods calling for your life? I've prayed about it and asked for confirmation but I havn't had any yet.
Eph. 2:10 is one of my favorite verses, explaining the WHY we are saved, even as the preceding verses tell us HOW we are saved.
quote:
And we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which He hath before ordained that we should walk therein.
The author of the amazing book What Color is Your Parachute? is a Christian who argues that each of us is created to fulfill a specific task. The things we must do are also, in God's kind providence, also things we enjoy doing -- eating, drinking, procreating, worshiping -- and working in our vocations. You can usually find an older version of this book (still perfectly useful) at library sales for a dollar or less.
It might take you some focused and sustained exertion to ascertain your vocation. At the age of 30, with a generic liberal arts degree earned, I spent a few months working through the Parachute tools, looked myself up in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles, and learned that I was a technical writer.
Nearly three decades later, I'm still doing it, relishing the daily interactions with smart people doing interesting stuff, and getting well-paid (unless the firm does a layoff, as happened last week!).
Invest some time and energy NOW in clarifying what God MADE you to do. It's an investment that will pay off for the rest of your life. Since more Americans believe in UFOs today than in the viability of Social Security, you may have to adopt my retirement plan -- find work you like, and never retire!
Let me repeat, it may take some serious work on your part to discover God's will for your life. There's so much garbage floating around out there about what some folks think REALLY committed Christians SHOULD be doing. However, Bible colleges and seminaries typically graduate about twice as many shiny new preacher boys each year as the number of available pulpits.
Hey, I'll pray for you -- look me up in a thousand years and share how my prayers were answered! You have an exciting and interesting life ahead of you.
_____________________________
Blogging my way through the Turkish New Testament
Meet my beloved mentor, RJR
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RE: Knowing your calling. - 10/25/2008 6:01:52 PM
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1love1God1way
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Often times, the need constitutes the call.
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love.ben
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RE: Knowing your calling. - 10/25/2008 8:15:21 PM
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PopsiLufsJesus
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"that's not my call--that number isn't even in my book." ~PJ
_____________________________
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
~ Romans 12:12
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RE: Knowing your calling. - 10/25/2008 9:41:29 PM
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SavedByGraceMD
Posts: 910
Joined: 2/13/2008
From: the poconos
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quote:
ORIGINAL: RamiRedeemed
Ya all, how do you know what is Gods calling for your life? I've prayed about it and asked for confirmation but I havn't had any yet. Some might say that the desires we have are from God, but I'm just not sure. Maybe they are my own desires? I don't want to just start pursuing what I think I'm supposed to be pursuing and then find that it wasn't right. I also don't want to waste time waiting for an answer if I'm supposed to just start pursuing. I'm a hot mess, what do I do? How do you know what your calling is?
Hello Rami,
I have not read the replies yet, but I will after I write this. I wanted to write first because I also have been going through this.
I had felt actually for a few years, even before I had truly given my life to the Lord, that He was calling me into ministry.
After I gave my life to Him, I had this feeling again, but much stronger. But I also couldn't figure out if it was just myself, of if it was from God. My mother told me that she felt the same way after she was saved, and that most all of the Christians she knows felt that way. So that made me even more unsure.
I will say that we all are called into ministry. All of us. Some just on a grander scale. For some of us it will only be our families and friends, and some will be Pastors. Some will be called to travel the globe, and some will stay close to home. The point is that we are all called to be ministers.
God has given us all gifts that He intends for us to use. He knows your strength and will call you based on that.
I don't know what you feel you are being called to do, but if God is calling, let no one stand in the way.
Anyway, since I had that conversation, the feelings I was having seemed to die down. I got even more confused. But I was new to the Lord, on fire, and wanted to do what I wanted to do. My knowledge was limited, but my passion was strong. At that time, I was not ready. I may still not be ready, and my knowledge is still limited, but He is still teaching me.
He will teach you also, and He knows when you will be ready to use what He gave you, and do what He is calling you to do.
I don't think He would out us in a position where we might have our faith tested in a way that may make us doubt it because we don' t know how to answer someone someway. Do you know what I mean?
For me, and sorry to keep jumping from story to advice and back again, but lately the feelings I had are back. Now they have been accompanied by 2 vivid dreams. Dreams of me preaching in a church, and I even remember the sermons. So again, I feel as if this is where He is calling me, and I am getting a glimpse of what He has in store for me. I do still have doubts though, because I know my knowledge is still limited.
My point is this, it is ok to wait on Him. If you are ready now, He will tell you. If you are not getting clear signals, you may not be ready. Maybe He is just preparing you fro what is to come.
Don't give up, pray about it, ask others to pray with you, and for you.
Oh one more thing, I have heard someone say before that if what we are feeling is good, and will bring glory to Gods name, if it will bring people into the kingdom, than that feeling is of God. He gives us those feelings, and He is the only one who gives us those feelings.
So I wish you well, and hope He guides you safely a I know He will, into whatever He has for you to do.
Sorry this was so long.
_____________________________
Isaiah 41:10
"Fear not for I am with you,
Do not be dismayed for I am your God,
I will strengthen you and help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand"
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RE: Knowing your calling. - 10/26/2008 1:01:09 AM
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RamiRedeemed
Posts: 2628
Joined: 10/13/2008
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Thanks Manda. I do know where my passion is but as for the need of the local church eh I dunno. Does that mean the church I attend?
I don't see being a mother as a calling at all but that's besdies the point I guess.
_____________________________
Some people talk because they have something to say.
Others talk because they have to say something.
-------------------------------
ramireconciled.blogspot.com
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RE: Knowing your calling. - 10/26/2008 1:02:31 AM
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RamiRedeemed
Posts: 2628
Joined: 10/13/2008
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Thanks MD. That's a lot of information so I'll just say thanks while I process it all.
_____________________________
Some people talk because they have something to say.
Others talk because they have to say something.
-------------------------------
ramireconciled.blogspot.com
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RE: Knowing your calling. - 10/26/2008 8:04:47 AM
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RJR_fan
Posts: 827
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: RTP, in sunny NC USA
Status: offline
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quote:
Thanks Manda. I do know where my passion is but as for the need of the local church eh I dunno. Does that mean the church I attend?
By George, I think she's got it!
One thing the tithe teaches us is that 90% of our service to God happens outside of the local church's worship.
_____________________________
Blogging my way through the Turkish New Testament
Meet my beloved mentor, RJR
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RE: Knowing your calling. - 10/26/2008 12:35:15 PM
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RamiRedeemed
Posts: 2628
Joined: 10/13/2008
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Manda I see the thread but it doesn't show me an option to reply so I can't chime in :(
_____________________________
Some people talk because they have something to say.
Others talk because they have to say something.
-------------------------------
ramireconciled.blogspot.com
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RE: Knowing your calling. - 10/26/2008 12:40:21 PM
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manda59
Posts: 6162
Joined: 9/22/2005
From: Hampshire, UK
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It may be because I might be using a different "portal" than you are. I use the "IBelieve" portal. Crosswalk is accessible through a number of different portals - our user ID and password work with any of them, but we aren't automatically logged in.
Have a look from my link where it is (Women Only) and then go there using whatever portal you are using, and it should be fine.
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"Manda is right"
mvic, January 2009
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RE: Knowing your calling. - 10/26/2008 3:19:09 PM
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Covaan_Meshuga
Posts: 3417
Joined: 6/8/2005
From: a mother who let me live
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For myself, I believe that my talents are the gifts the HS has given me. It is the areas in which I am talented that I have used most of my time developing. So here's how it has worked for me:
I started singing publically at the age of 2, and loving to sing, I developed that area. Now, I am used in singing where I attend.
I learned that I could draw better than most when I was in 8th grade, so I developed that. My arts have been used many times, in many ways, over the years.
I have a talent for writing, for laying things out in an orderly fashion on paper, for running an office by myself, and for all the things that go with these. I also learned that I am more of a helper, someone who helps another do their work by geting things done so that they could concentrate on other things. So I am a pastor's administrative assistant.
Being a pastor's administrative assistant, I use all of the above weekly in order to do my job. This job is my calling.
Gotta tell you something funny, though. The reason is that it demonstrated to me how G-d can work through one's talents to make them work for His purpose!
When I was first married the first time, my husband and I had a perfectly ugly davenport. Being young and foolish, I thought that I could reupholstry that thing, so I did, and it looked great! Then I made pillows to go with it. All this worked because I wa too young and stupid to even question whether or not I could do it! Youth does have its benefits!
Then, as I got older, I thought, "If I can redupholstery that, I can reupholstry other things!" so I did. Then I thought that I could take an ugly rocking horse, cover it with fake fur, and with a little finesse, make a really cute rocking horse. So I did! With a yarn mane and long yarn tail!
Then I thought that if I could to that, I could make a donkey for a church's play. So I drew the outlines on plywood, had a carpenter cut it out, put it together, and covered it with fake fur, filling it with polyester.
Then I thought that if I could to that, I could make one a child in the church could ride upon. So I did that.
Then I thought I could make one an adult in the church could ride, so I did.
I thought about this, because that is the way the L-rd does things. He helps us to develop what He has gifted us with, so that the talent improves, expands, and grows for Him.
_____________________________
Abiyah
"Ladies and gentlemen, there are things that you will only be able to learn by the weakest among us, and when you snuff them out, you are the one that loses." ~~Gianna Jesson, 1977 LA, CA, saline abortion survivor
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RE: Knowing your calling. - 10/26/2008 3:23:12 PM
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Covaan_Meshuga
Posts: 3417
Joined: 6/8/2005
From: a mother who let me live
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: RamiRedeemed
Thanks Manda. I do know where my passion is but as for the need of the local church eh I dunno. Does that mean the church I attend?
I don't see being a mother as a calling at all but that's besdies the point I guess.
Being a mother is the greatest calling of all, in my opinion. And as I tell my hisband all the time, that's my opinion, and it's very true.
_____________________________
Abiyah
"Ladies and gentlemen, there are things that you will only be able to learn by the weakest among us, and when you snuff them out, you are the one that loses." ~~Gianna Jesson, 1977 LA, CA, saline abortion survivor
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