Hanging on my fridge is the following quote, given to me by our former worship pastor (our church is in the 16th month of a music pastor search process.)
“The greatest impediment to your spiritual intimacy is your giftedness. Because you are gifted, you are going to be able to make life work within the church without ever knowing God well.”
As I use this post to archive and compile old worship packages, I want this to be a constant reminder that I am nothing without Him.
May I NEVER stand before a congregation giving a spoken word, leading through music or even holding a child in the nursery by just making church “work.” If I begin to lean in that direction, may my hypocrisy ring so thoroughly through every fiber in my being that I can’t continue on, and that I am literally brought to my knees.
Each of us have been given unique gifts to reach others. Gifts that He uses (through us) to be a blessing, whether that be to your family, neighbors or maybe even a friend you’ve never met in blog land.
May you never doubt the impact you can have on the lives of those around you.
So, how are you using your gift this week?
0104 – Worship from WAV Technologies on Vimeo.
Christmas Eve 2008 from WAV Technologies on Vimeo.
1116 Worship from WAV Technologies on Vimeo.
I learned in Bible study one time that each of us has a different way of serving. I am more of a behind the scenes type person. Not the social butterfly type. I thought this was bad until I was assured that my way was still serving the Lord. Thanks for the reminder.
thanks…can’t wait to chat you up IRL!
I enjoyed watching you sing! Great post and reminder..I “do” but sometimes it’s just “do”!
-sandy toe
Ooooh, I loved worshipping with you! That was cool! Thanks so much for sharing. To God be the Glory!
Suzanne
Jen- I loved this post. Smitten with conviction but a good word for me today and this year as we evaluate our service to the Lord through church and otherwise. May it never be the case – to make it work!!! Thanks so much.
Beautiful! It’s wonderful how your love for God shines through.
Many sweet blessings!
Jen, I needed to read this post today. I love to hear your words about serving as a singer!
Are we singing sisters? Whoo hoo… that’s about the only thing I’m qualified to do professionally aside from wiping bums which… well it doesn’t look very good on a resume and people tend to run the other direction when you talk about what level of a bum wiping pro I am… another story. Yeah for you!
This year church didn’t work too well for me. Hubbys in school and working full time till february and 6 kids sitting in church was a joke. HOWEVER, this was the year that I did get closer to Him. It’s great to know that when you feel completely overwhelmed there is someone who KNOWS completely how you’re feeling.
Great post lady! Keep up that singing… maybe we can hit the road!
Jen,
I truly struggle in this area. I was asked a few months ago to work in the nursery. It’s only for 30 minutes every other month. I have struggled and struggled with this! I LOVE children, but after being home with our 3 all week and working in the nursery on Wednesday mornings at our homeschool co-op, so I’m in there with Bella, I do NOT want to do it. I struggle with not wanting to even go to church on the day that I’m asked to be in there. I feel horrible that I feel that way! I think it’s the devil and I have pushed through it and done it, but I was in tears the last time they asked me. I need to be happy to be serving wherever it’s needed!
Y’all sound great! Our church is going through a transition without a music minister, also.
What a timely post for me to read today. Our Friday morning bible study has just begun Beth Moore’s Esther study today and I am part of the leadership team. Your words really speak to me this afternoon and have allowed me to reflect on how I will interact with the women throughout the spring semester. Thanks so much…
I agree about not making Church work. I think over the holidays, while things were so busy, I might just have made it works sometimes and not Worship. Working to change that. 🙂
Very well put. I’ve never thought about that before actually….
Lovely music. Thanks for sharing!
Laura
You are always SO right.
Out the door for small group.
blessings for the weekend
OK so you busted me. I haven’t been doing so great at sharing my talents or doing ‘the Lord’s work’ without complaining all along the way. I have been so wrapped up in myself and my insecurities that I have slowly pulled myself away from the things I used to do so valiantly without thinking twice. I will repent and try to do better. Thanks Jen! Also, Sophia and I loved listening to your ‘talent’ and she did her Elaine Benice dance to the music (not very pretty) but still cute that she try’s. Hope you are doing good. Nice job on the cabinets too.
BTW – Your church looks fun, what religion are you?
Now you’ve got me all jealous… going to have to repent. We obviously were meant to be the entertainers at Blisdom ’09 in Nashville (of all musical places!) but alas… hubby is still in school full time and there is no one else here able (or willing for that matter) to wipe the royal bums of this royal palace. I was hoping Blissdom would be a little later in the month. AND you’re rooming with a few of my favorite people on the web! Enjoy some chocolate and a good diet drink with those gals for me…
We’ll have to work on our routine for Blissdom ’10. How are you at song writing?… ideas: Ode to the Mommy Blogging bum wipers? I’ll keep thinking on it.
Oh my, I just left this crazy message on your comment page! I hope I don’t chase away all your friends. Thanks for the laugh:)
I wanted to echo what Liz at the top said. I am also not the best at being real social. I love teaching children, and so I serve in that matter. However, besides that, I am also a behind the scenes kind of person. I always thought it a weakness to not be more “loud and boisterous” until I discovered that the Lord will use me in the areas He chooses, with the gifts and talents He has given me. My quietness was no longer considered (in my own head) a handicap. :o)
You are such a blessing Jen!
Sincerely ~ Tricia Anne
ahh…thanks for the great reminder!
Jen, thanks for always making me see things clearly. I love your perspective and outlook on life. You always inspire me to be better and do better!
p.s. I gave you an award on my blog.
p.p.s I loved hearing you sing that beautiful song of praise.
What a beautiful post, and a wonderful reminder that we are always vessels of God’s love, and that even a smile can often uplift and add cheer to someone’s day…and we can ALL manage that. 🙂
I have missed the Westover family!!!
On this rainy day–I found your blog. I’m pleased that you are my sister in Christ. God has certainly gifted you in many ways. Thanks for using His gifts for His glory. You have encouraged me. Looking forward to the Fox segment.