SATURDAY, October 8

1 Corinthians 12:27—13:3. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues.

One of the greatest disappointments and also greatest learning experiences of my life came when I was cut from my Little League baseball team. I had always dreamed of playing first base for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Now that dream was shattered because I did not have the gift to play baseball. What I had to do next was discover the gifts I did possess.

Everyone is gifted in one way or another, most of us in many ways. We need to remember three things. First, we must recognize what gifts we do possess and what gifts we do not (I can’t play baseball). Second, we need to cultivate those gifts so that they become stronger (I am a good pastor, I think). Third, we must always be ready to use our gifts when they are needed (Just ask, any time).

All that seems obvious. But sometimes we forget the obvious.

PRAY for the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon (Wales)

Ps 137:1-6(7-9), 144 * 104; Jeremiah 35:1-19; Matthew 9:35—10:4

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Every Disappointment Is A Blessing

Oct 08, 2011 at 7:31 am

Written by emeline,

When my Dear Departed Mother used to say "Every disappointment is a blessing", as a child, I never understood what she meant. As I mature in my spiritual walk, I begin to understand each time disappointment comes my way. After each disappointment, like today's Writer, I discovered something more meaningful in my life. I have experienced many successes, which brought joy to my soul, and I am able to share blessings of my time, talent and resources with others. My brothers and sisters in Christ, never let disappointment deter you from pressing ahead with your life in Christ Jesus, Our Lord!

...

Oct 08, 2011 at 10:33 am

Written by nora,

I am 85yrs old and recently had to retire from my love, the Altar guild as I no longer could performe the duties that I loved.I really thought I was "finiched" that God had finished with me and then I was given another love to continue working for Him and am now a companion to the Little sisters of St. Clare. I now review my life and know "when one door closes another opens". PRAISE THE LORD"

gifts

Oct 08, 2011 at 11:13 am

Written by sister liz,

We are blessed with gifts from God-individually tailored to us. I think we take these for granted and somehow perceive that we need to earn what are viewed as more advanced qualities-be different from what we are or be like everyone else. All He asks for is a willing servant. Thanks be to God!

Hidden talents

Oct 08, 2011 at 3:54 pm

Written by Nancy Rose,

I was very depressed when I had to retire early because of illness from my career as a school secretary. I decided to write some notes for my then 4-year-old granddaughter for her future. What I never expected was when the essay became a series of poems as I had never been able to write poetry in my life! Three poems poured out in the first two hours, and months later I have received copyrights on sixteen poems so far. A young woman with a degree in illustration has volunteered to help make the first poem into a book. So I am still assisting with the education of children, but in a far different way.

Nora's gifts

Oct 09, 2011 at 10:31 am

Written by Merry,

Bless you, Nora, for participating in an electronic conversation at age 85. Many of us who are younger “seniors” than you are daunted by the rapid changes in the ways people communicate in our world. We complain and stubbornly hold on to what we “have always done.” Yours is a gift of openness and crossing thresholds of connecting with others that many choose to avoid. Your comments are a gift to the online community of Forward readers just as movement from the Altar Guild to the Little Sisters of St. Clare is recognition of God’s gifts to you.

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