My spiritual gift is giving. Back when I was attending MOPS and my first bible study ever, I had taken asparagus to all the women in the group and one of the ladies told me she could tell that my gift was giving. I didn't think much of it at the time, but I began to realize I am a giver. I think this is a quality I got from my mother. She likes to do things for people, help them, give them things they may need, and gifts. She is a very thoughtful giver. There is joy in giving and blessing others in simple ways. I have the ability to give and have been blessed to be able to in many ways. One Sunday a staff member gave me a card she had written "to the thoughtful giver". It was given from one of the adoption/foster families that I purchased clothing needs for. In my recent bible study we talked about journaling as a way of holding God's word in our hearts, memorizing it, meditating on it, praying with it and being able to reference it later. Journaling can also be writing to see God's faithfulness in how he answers prayers. Before the study, I bought 6 journals online not knowing what I would do with them. When our study read about journaling, I knew exactly what to do with them. I gave them as gifts to my table. They were perfect and the girls were so excited and loved them so much. The verse on the cover, "Jeremiah 29:12, says "Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you." Inside a place for scripture inspiration, prayer, and reflections. It was meant for this class. Today in my bible study we were talking at our table about spiritual gifts. At the end of the day, one of the women got up and talked about her adoption process. She had been caring for 4 kids for the past 10 years and wanted us to pray that her adoption papers be sent to the attorney as it has been a long waiting game, years of waiting. She also talked about the church being a body and how so many came around their family and had been supportive in so many ways. She mentioned getting gift cards and having people help in different ways. I realized I was one of those. I randomly asked the church for families that could use some extra help with fostering/adopting. I had sent gift cards to 4 families. I put a variety into each envelope for groceries, gas, food, shopping, etc. I don't remember how I signed the card, either our last name or just a first name. I didn't put both so I was somewhat anonymous. WE knew each other, so I think it was easy for her to make the connection. After bible study, that lady came over put her arm around me and told me how grateful she was for that blessing to her family. She went on and on about how I couldn't possibly know how perfect the timing was and how needed the gift cards were. She said the families opened that envelope and there were gas cards, which they had been doing extra driving, and then to have grocery cards and how much they were appreciated. She felt God just prepared that envelope when they needed it most. She told me that was something she will never forget. I told her it was God, because he led me to the plan of giving to foster and adoption families in that way and I didn't even know any of her story or need at the time. It brought me so much joy knowing how blessed she was through God's perfect timing. And to make it even more miraculous, two days later their paperwork went through to the attorney and the adoption process is nearly finalized! Also at the end of one bible study, another friend told me she recently tested positive for the BRCA gene and wanted to talk with me more about it. We went for lunch at Hickory Park and talked all about tests, doctors, procedures, surgeries, etc. Again, it was as much a blessing for me as it was for her to share my story and be able to give her my knowledge and experiences to hopefully help and encourage her through the process. I feel that God is showing me how to use my gifts by giving, loving, and serving others and I feel my cup is full when I do. When I started at Cornerstone, I was intimidated by the size and wanted to get know people, get connected, and do bible studies. It took time, but slowly the church is feeling more like a community. I have prayed for years to make friends and God has blessed me with some fabulous ladies in my life. As I continue in bible study, I meet more who share their wisdom and encouragement. I recently met Amber and yet I feel like we have known each other for years. The first time she introduced herself and spoke before our group of 200, I thoughts, "she is my person." She shared how she grew up, her family, and her farm background. When she sat at our table of 6, she shared where she lived and how she loves horses. Turns out she grew up in Grand River and knew all about the rodeos. She raised her own horse and rode for years. We made an instant connection and decided we are each others kindred spirit. I was excited to get to know her more as was she. She is so neat and her personality is so outgoing and bubbly. She loves to talk and is very knowledgeable in the bible and a mentor to women. After a couple weeks, I invited Amber to ride horses and chat with me. I grilled burgers and we sat outside on the patio. Mark joined us to eat and got to know Amber too. She loved every minute and never stopped talking. We rode in the arena and hay field. She told me she could ride all day and can't wait to come again. She also has some serious medical issues, a very rare condition with a tumor on her brain, and gets tired often and has to rest. You wouldn't know it to be around her, she is full of life and lively. A week later Amber brought her daughter out to ride. All 3 of us went out on a ride in the hay field and in the arena. I think they both enjoyed their time. Amber reminds me of Jayden, beautiful, sweet, and blonde. She is very smiley and outgoing too. I get to enjoy Amber as my bible study table leader for the semester.
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