An Apology, A Thank You, A Carnival, and A Juggler : )

Wow...I'm sorry I've been neglecting my blog so much. I've been having fun with the book club on my Fitness Blog and forgot to keep up over here. I'm thankful you are patient readers. : ) I'll try to do better. And I do promise more pictures. : )

As a side note...Did you know the Bloggy Giveaways Carnival started today? Oh man! It is going to be tough to stay off my computer this week. That thing is absolutely addicting! I wanted to be organized enough to do my own giveaway, but alas organization left me when I gave birth in August. : ) There is still time...maybe I can pull it together before the carnival ends. I hope you enjoy entering the contests. I'd love to hear if any of you are winners.

I also wanted to thank those of you who are following my blog. (See sidebar to learn how to become a Follower) It means a lot to me. I'm so grateful for all of you who read. When I started our adoption blog in January of 2007, I didn't really understand what blogging was. I didn't know how much fun I'd have with it and the wonderful people I'd meet.

I'll be back soon to update you on Prince Charming and the Princesses and life here in the castle. In the mean time, here's the latest devotion I wrote for church:

The Apprentice Juggler:

But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. - 1 Corinthians 12:18

My mom read the book Tales of the Kingdom as a bedtime story to my brother and me when I was young, and it quickly became a family favorite. Staring at the pictures, I often wished I could be in the story myself. I've read it over again several times as an adult, getting something new out of it every time. (Sorry Mom, you can't have it back)

Written as a fairy tale, each chapter expresses a different Biblical truth and ends with a moral for the story. One of my favorite chapters is called "The Apprentice Juggler."

The Apprentice Juggler wants nothing more than to join the troupe and perform on a regular basis at the Great Celebration. Unfortunately, he has a terrible secret he is afraid the Juggling Master will find out about. His inner count is different than the other jugglers, and he is terrified he will mess up the next performance. Doing everything in his power to hide the fact his rhythm is off, he works hard to suppress the count he hears inside of his head.

Eventually, he cannot suppress it any longer and during the performance he lets himself follow his own rhythm. He ends up delighting the audience as a clown and learns a clown is "the best juggler of all." It is a rare talent to be both a juggler and a clown and the Juggling Master is thrilled.

When asked why he never revealed his different rhythm, he answers, "I-I thought I would lose my place in the troupe." To which the Juggling Master replies, "Lose your place? Find your proper place, rather. Didn't you know that in the Great Celebration, all who desire a place, find a place?"

Have you ever felt like the Apprentice Juggler; afraid you have nothing to offer in the Kingdom of God because you aren't like the other people you see serving? I have. And I was convinced I didn't measure up. I was also convinced serving meant doing something I didn't like to do.

But here I am, writing a blog, something I love to do and happens to be a hobby of mine. God gave me the opportunity to do something I love for Him.

Do you march to the beat of a different drum? Great! No one has the unique talents God has instilled in you. No one can tell your story. God has created so much diversity and we do not need cookie-cutter Christians in the Body of Christ. Listen to your own inner rhythm and offer it up to God. He wrote your rhythm, and He will use it!

Personal Application:

Make a list of your dreams, passions, talents, gifts, etc. and talk to God about them during your prayer time this week. Trust Him with those things. Praise God for your uniqueness. Ask Him to use you for His Kingdom.

Do you feel unqualified? I've heard this quote said two different ways, and I love it both ways:

God doesn't call the equipped, He equips those He calls.

AND

God doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies those He calls.

More of God's Word:

1. Read 1 Corinthians 12

2. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. - Colossians 3:17

Lord,

Thank you for making me, me. Help me to stop comparing myself to others and to enjoy the way you made me. Help me to trust You with my unique gifts, talents, passions, and dreams. Show me how they can be used for You. May I glorify You with my life.

In Jesus' Name I pray,

Amen

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